Why did the Knicks step back in front of Anthony Davis?



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The Knicks have never made an official offer to the Pelicans on center Anthony Davis for the most recent trade negotiations of the teams, according to an official of the NBA.

While the Knicks were interested in the center of the superstars, who headed to the Lakers after a big commercial success, talks with the new general manager of New Orleans, David Griffin, were preliminary and brief since the moment where he solicited offers two weeks ago.

The Knicks were convinced that they could not meet the demands of the pelicans and they basically backed down.

On Saturday, the Lakers unveiled six prestigious assets for pelicans: the top five picks, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, solid Josh Hart and the top three, including fourth overall in this week's draft.

The Knicks reluctance to bid underlines a recent SNY report on the club's concern to add too many assets to a possible deal with Davis. The Knicks seem satisfied to keep the third choice in the draft to select RJ Barrett or Ja Morant, according to which the Grizzlies select at number 2.

The fact that the Knicks never made a formal offer is staggering, according to one source, Agent Rich Paul informed Griffin that the Knicks and Lakers were Davis's two preferences.

The Knicks were not willing to offer six pieces, like the Lakers. The former Pelicans general manager, Dell Demps, sacked after unable to negotiate with Davis at the February deadline, had a better view of young Knicks players than Griffin, who had urged the Knicks to find a third team at home. include in the transaction.

In fact, the hiring of Griffin on April 17 did not favor the chances of the Knicks. Griffin even criticized Kevin Knox during his appearances before the NBATV. Griffin also knows Paul, who is also the agent of LeBron James, much of his time as Cleveland's general manager.

Davis and Paul, on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated, have probably realized their first wish: to unite with James. The Lakers may still have enough space to sign a goalkeeper, the name of Kemba Walker surfacing.

"The Lakers had to get the AD, otherwise it was a mess for LeBron – or what's left of LeBron," said an NBA executive.

When they arrive at Walker, the Lakers are the favorites to exit the Western Conference as Warriors' free agents, Kevin Durant (if he signed again) and Klay Thompson will likely miss the next season with injury.

The Post announced Saturday that Draymond Green had flown to New York this weekend and was scheduled to meet a recovering Durant. One source said Green was visiting as a "friend" and not a partner seeking to convince him to return to Golden State.

The Knicks are still interested in Durant's landing. The warriors appear in the dark about Durant's plans. Warriors general manager Bob Myers said, "I do not know," Friday when he was asked directly about how he thought his chances were good to recover Durant. A Golden State player, who was asked if he thought Durant would sign again because of the injury, said, "No idea."

The Knicks' summer did not happen as planned. They did not win the Zion Williamson lottery. They did not feel strong enough about their chances of making a formal offer to Davis. And even if he signs up with the Knicks, the 6-foot-11-inch Durant will miss the next season and will be a slight question mark at age 32 for 2020-21, when he will come back from his devastating injury. Achilles tendon.

The Knicks also think they will have a meeting with Kawhi Leonard, but the prospect of selling him in tandem with the injured Durant was probably also defeated. In addition, reports suggest that Kyrie Irving has the highest nets on her list as the Knicks.

While owner James Dolan extolled the Knicks' success in free agency, team president Steve Mills was cautious in an interview with The Post, a week after the end of the season. regular.

"The [Kristaps] The Porzingis business was not concluded because we wanted to do something to create a cap room, 'said Mills. "We needed to trade to build our team the right way and the cap room is a byproduct of what happened. There is a lot of noise and a lot of guys are interested in New York. They like [coach David Fizdale]. They like some of the changes we have made to the organization. We hear that from agents. We hear that from other players. At least we are in the game and I hope something really good will happen. But we will not know until that happens. "

If the stars do not line up for the Knicks, Mills could use his $ 74 million cap and try one-year contracts with some of the best free agents. Or, as part of a long-term contract, chase the former Laker and Pelican Julius Randle, whom they love, or pick up a flyer on former No. 2 pick, Jabari Parker, who has been an edgy bust.

But taking this route would seem to be different from the fight for a playoff spot for another season.

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