The NBA offseason is officially in full swing. As such, trade rumors have begun to circulate through the troughs of the mainstream media. For the New York Knicks, the latest rumor comes in the form of Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis.
Kendrick Perkins believes Anthony Davis could become an option for the Knicks
Speaking on the Scoop B Radio podcast, former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes that Davis, who has prior connections to members of the Knicks’ front office, could soon become a realistic option for New York.
“The only thing that I’m keeping my eye on is I’m monitoring that Lakers situation: Anthony Davis. John Calipari, William ‘Worldwide Wes’ Wesley, the Kentucky days,” said Perkins, referring to Davis’ college days at the University of Kentucky.
Davis and Worldwide Wes have a long-standing relationship from his time at Kentucky
Prior to joining the Knicks’ front office, Wesley had a close relationship with Kentucky head coach John Calipari, who is now the head coach at Arkansas. Wesley and Davis formed a solid relationship during Davis’ one year at Kentucky.
Davis is coming off of another superb season with the Lakers. Averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on his way to being named to All-Defense and All-NBA Second Team. The All-Star big man also managed to avoid injury for the first time in years, playing 76 games last season, the most he’s played in a season since 2018.
- Knicks could add another former Villanova guard to their bench following Bridges deal
- Knicks stash French guard with tremendous upside at 25th overall
- How should the Knicks move forward after Mikal Bridges & OG Anunoby power plays?
Lakers hiring of JJ Redick could affect Davis’ availability
On Thursday, the Lakers announced the hiring of former NBA player JJ Redick as their next head coach. Perkins believes that if Davis is displeased with the move, he could attempt to force his way out, leaving the door open for the Knicks to enter the fray.
“JJ, you’re here to make me look good? Are you here to benefit me or what?” Said Perkins. “If not, I’m bouncin’ and New York is the place.”
New York boasts plenty of tradeable assets that could help them land Davis
Perkins notes the surplus of trade assets that the Knicks currently possess as a driving factor that could bring the nine-time All-Star to The Big Apple.
“They got the picks, they got the assets and guess what? AD in Madison Square with Beef and Body Brunson,” said Perkins. “Everybody’s not thinking about AD. I am!”
The Knicks will continue their aggressive pursuit of landing another star talent to play alongside Jalen Brunson. With the NBA Draft just around the corner, it’s possible that aggression starts to pick up more steam, as the Knicks could potentially opt to dangle one of their first-round picks in this year’s draft in a blockbuster trade.