NFLWith the news that Anthony Davis will test the free-agent market this summer, teams are lining up to secure the future Hall of Famer. But should the New York Knicks be one of those teams?
In all fairness, yes. But the reality of the situation is that they may not have a legit shot or would be scared to put themselves back out there after what happened last summer.
With the Knicks expected to be big players in free agency, they went after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and walked away empty-handed both times. Will it happen again in 2020?
Anthony Davis could be the missing piece the Knicks need to make it back to the playoffs. While he did struggle with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Knicks are in the Eastern Conference where it’s more top-heavy than spread out like the Western Conference.
Paring Davis back with Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson plus who they walk away with after the NBA Draft could prove to be enough to make the top 8 in the East. But will Davis be willing to go backwards? Heading to the Knicks might be considered a lateral or backward movement as he will be no better off than he was with the Pelicans.
The Knicks will have the cap space to make a move but is the idea of another rebuild on Davis’ mind? Davis has been here before and the thinking is that he will want to go to a contender. The Lakers, while explosive this year are still led by the 35-year old James. How many more seasons does he have left?
This has to be weighing heavily on the mind of Anthony Davis. It’s no secret that the Lakers could sign Davis to a deal more lucrative than any other team but where does that leave him and the Lakers? Now, the Knicks can’t offer the same but what they can use to lure Davis to NYC is the chance to rebuild and reshape a struggling franchise.
All this also depends on how Davis is built. Some players love a challenge. While Los Angeles is a hotbed, Davis and the Lakers will still have to fight for ownership rights not only in LA but Staples Center as well with the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George-led Los Angeles Clippers.
In NY, the Knicks can surround Davis with a younger core, possibly better marketing, and another chance to save a sinking franchise. Can the New York Knicks contend with teams such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks who can give Davis a better chance at winning a championship?
The Knicks did a smart thing this past summer with one-year deals and low-money contracts. They have set themselves up to be players in the free-agency period this coming summer. What they’re hoping is that players will not spurn them again. It looks as if Anthony Davis will be their first shot at redemption. Will it work?
