New Orleans won the lottery and the right to Zion. This should relieve the pressure their New GM against trading Anthony Davis. Instead of worrying about having a bare cupboard they now have something to sell this year for marketing. At this point it is about getting the best deal for Davis. Knicks can reunite the Zion with his teammate RJ Barrett or put him with Ja Morant. Zion. didn't look so happy that New Orleans got #1. This #3 pick is perfect for New Orleans. Knicks however will not empty totally the youth for a potential 1 year rental (this is why New Orlean will not get the haul they asked for last deadline). I think the Knicks will offer whomever they pick at #3 (preserving trade potential for next years pick) + 2020 1st round pick + Kevin Knox + Frank Ntilikina + Lance Thomas. I think the Knicks give New Orleans the choice of Knox or Trier. I think New Orleans picks Knox because of his size. New Orleans can cut Thomas after and save an additional $5mil off their cap. To make this plan happen the Knicks do this trade 30 days after the draft. Knicks decline Emmanuel Mudiay's option. Knicks also forgo getting 2 max contracts in free agency. They instead only get Kevin Durant at max salary. They instead use up some that remaining cap space in trade to eat most of Bradley Beals contract (makes $27mil next season) in a trade for Damyean Dotson ($1.6mil). The skills are not equal but Knicks save Washington $25 and get them under the cap while still having a premium shooter. Knicks probably will try to trade Dennis Smith but probably cant land their PG targets.
Potential Starting Lineup
Dennis Smith Jr.
Bradley Beal
Kevin Durant
Anthony Davis
Mitchell Robinson