New York Knicks: What they should do with the third pick in the 2019 draft

The Knicks should trade the third overall pick and the right to draft RJ Barrett for one reason and one reason only, Anthony Davis.

It is no secret that Anthony Davis wants out of New Orleans, he made that very clear before the trade deadline earlier this season that he wanted no part of the Pelicans and where they were headed. Many people at the time believed that he would wind up in a Lakers or Celtics jersey, but there is a very good chance he winds up playing in the Big Apple.

The Pelicans won the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery which gives them the right to pick Zion Williamson. The Knicks hold the third overall pick which will undoubtedly turn into his Duke teammate RJ Barrett. See what I’m getting at here?

Williamson and Barrett are best friends and that friendship turns into a rolling highlight reel and many, many wins on the court, which we saw this past season at Duke. Yes, they might’ve been the most hyped college basketball team of all time even if they lost in the Elite Eight.

However, had a single basket rolled Duke’s way in their Elite Eight matchup with Michigan State this year, they wouldn’t have lost by one point and we would be talking about two guys who just played in the Final Four and potentially two National Champions.

Unfortunately, we aren’t but what I’m saying is these are two fantastic players who can win at the highest level have undeniable court chemistry which would undoubtedly continue into the NBA. Before I get too off topic talking about Duke’s season, the chemistry angle matters because this is exactly what the Knicks can pitch to New Orleans.

If the Pelicans hold the first pick and have the chance to get the third overall pick and keep two best friends and phenomenal players together while getting rid of a guy who doesn’t want to be there in the first place, why wouldn’t they?

This is a duo that could turn into the next Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and believe it or not, that is not an exaggeration. Then the New York Knicks would have a legitimate chance to get Davis for their third pick and a couple of other players.

Now, this isn’t only a trade that could help the Pelicans, it would also help the Knicks. In Anthony Davis, the Knicks would be getting a proven superstar who not only would help them on the court, but it would also help them attract top-level free agents this summer. Additionally, he’s only 26-year-old.

With players such as Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and so many other stars hitting free agency this summer, adding a guy who is a top-10 player in the entire league, would undoubtedly help their recruitment pitch.

Trading the third pick would only make sense if the Knicks 100% know they’re going to get one of those stars I mentioned when free agency comes around. The reason for this is because what good would it do to add a guy you’re going to have to give a max contract to, to a team that just finished with the worst record in the league?

It wouldn’t unless the Knicks are not ABSOLUTELY sure that they’re going to get a guy like Kevin Durant, it wouldn’t make sense to make a trade for Davis. If the Knicks can’t make a big splash in free agency they’re going to need all the picks and young talent they can get and RJ Barrett is the start.

What do you think? Keep the pick and draft Barrett, or trade it for Anthony Davis? Let us know in the comments section below, or on social media.