The focus of the NBA right now is, of course, the NBA Playoffs. With the Conference Finals in full swing, the talk is obviously around who’ll raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy. But, one thing that never leaves our mind is the events after the playoffs conclude, the offseason. The offseason consists of two parts – the NBA Draft and free agency, both of which the Knicks are expected to be very much active in. With a ton of cap space and the recently obtained third overall pick, the 2019 NY Knicks draft plans may have just changed.
On Tuesday, the Knicks took part in the NBA’s draft lottery. They had a 100% chance at a top-five pick in this year’s draft. To break it down further, they had a 40.1% at a top-three pick and a 14% chance at the first pick (tied with Cleveland and Phoenix). The Knicks, behind the Pelicans and Grizzlies, drew the third pick in the draft. With that, NY is now guaranteed one of either, R.J. Barrett, Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Jarrett Culver, or Cam Reddish. It makes it a no-brainer to explore trades for their pick.
First Building Blocks Towards a Super-Team
If there’s anything that’s been made clear by GM Scott Perry and the rest of the Knicks’ front office, it’s that they want to win now. There’s no better way to do that than by trading away their first-round pick. By doing so they (most likely) can acquire a superstar in the process.
Anthony Davis
Flashing back to the trade deadline, Pelicans F Anthony Davis had many teams including the Los Angeles Lakers vying for his services. LA, more than any other team, wanted Davis immediately due to the fact that it was already known he would re-sign with them. The problem was that the Pelicans asked for too much. But, New York is not New Orleans. Another reason why Davis isn’t a Laker is that New Orleans wanted to be petty and charge an arm and a leg for Davis’ services. The Knicks, however, have more pieces and assets that New Orleans may need.
It’s already been established that Anthony Davis wants out of New Orleans. Why not come to the Big Apple? The Knicks trading their first-round pick with another one of the young players on the roster gives the Pelicans a package they can’t refuse. The Pelicans would receive a young (potentially) rising star to replace their old one. But, they’d also have some of New York’s young assets as well.
For the Knicks, instead of waiting for this draft pick to bloom into a superstar, you’d already have one of the best players in the league at your disposal. If the Knicks wanted to win now, trading for Anthony Davis is certainly one route they can go. Although Davis would be a free agent the following season, if the Knicks were to get the right remaining pieces (to be discussed later), Davis would be in a winning situation, with no reason to leave.
Ben Simmons
Seeing Ben Simmons on a list of potential trade targets is not as far-fetched as you think. The second-year PG is, without a doubt, one of the best young players in the league. However, when you look at it deeper, he’s proven to be a huge liability for the 76ers in the playoffs.
As covered in my last article, Ben Simmons simply isn’t giving the Sixers what they need. He’s a great player, but he isn’t the player the Sixers should want/need in order to contend for a championship next season.
But, just because the Sixers don’t need Ben Simmons, doesn’t mean New York doesn’t. Simmons is a pass-first PG who’ll give the Knicks a young star for years to come. Of course, trading for Simmons would be dependent on whether or not the Knicks are able to sign to stars to go with him. But, when/if the Knicks have Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant (their top two targets) come to New York, then we have a real big three.
Better Championship Chances
The Knicks have money to spend this summer. With that, they’re expecting to win. You can’t expect to win a championship when you’ll be drafting a player that needs time to develop. Ben Simmons and Anthony Davis are only two examples of star players that the Knicks can trade for.
In this day and age, the only way to win a championship is to have at least three great players. We all know the respective skill-sets that Irving and KD (assuming they sign with New York) bring. But, knowing that you’d more than likely need a third star, it’s critical that the Knicks trade for one rather than wait for one to develop.
It’s rare to see a rookie develop quick enough to become an integral part on a championship-caliber team. This year, that rarity might come with Zion Williamson. After the draft lottery, though, that hope has sailed for New York fans. The Knicks and their fanbase must settle for the third overall pick.
However, if they want their 2020 NBA Championship dreams to come to fruition, this pick must be traded. If traded, it better come with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving coming to New York later on too.