The Knicks also could trade several young assets, including their No. 3 pick, which could turn into RJ Barrett, for Randle’s Pelicans teammate, Anthony Davis. But even if they do, it may not even make them a playoff team if Davis doesn’t have a star partner.
According to a source, the Pelicans would need a third team in a trade with the Knicks more than in a deal with any other potential club in the mix. Pelicans brass doesn’t find all the Knicks’ young assets attractive enough for a package.
The Pelicans want an All-Star player involved in a deal, but New Orleans also desperately seeks a young, potential top-15 guy and don’t know if the Knicks actually have one on their roster.
Kevin Knox is the closest to a potential All-Star, but he went through a roller-coaster rookie season. According to a source, the Pelicans consider the Celtics to have the best young assets.
The Knicks can still use their cap space to acquire another star player, aside from Davis, in a trade.
Nevertheless, maybe the answer is for the Knicks to continue a slow rebuilding, draft Barrett, tank in 2019-20, add another lottery pick and go after Durant in 2020 if available.