Some people have the idea that free agency is the only way the Knicks can succeed this summer. Cap space is cap space. That doesn't mean just the 3 top players are the only worthy targets. 75 million dollars burning a hole in the Knicks pocket can be used in other ways.. Cap space is valuable not only to us to others. Knicks have the opportunity to bail other teams out of tough situations using their cap space. Knicks can target teams in awkward situations and trade youth and cap relief for better players. I wrote out a scenario where the Knicks strike out in draft position and top free agents still come out with elite players.
Knicks trade Frank Ntilikina + Lance Thomas + 2021 Mavericks 1st Round Pick for Russell Westbrook
reasoning: OKC rids of Westbrooks contract befores it becomes too heavy for cap flexibility. OKC wouldn't be under the cap post trade, but it puts it within reach. Lance contract isn't fully guaranteed so they could possibly shave $30 million off their cap easily. With cap tax implications that even more for a small market team. Knicks gain a 1st team all NBA talent in the east where it is wide open. It would be a big salary dump move for OKC and gives the keys to Paul George.
Knicks trade Damien Dotson + 2021 2nd round Hornets Pick for Bradley Beal
reasoning: Washington is in the worst cap situation in the league. Knicks get Washington close to under the cap. If Washington does this while Walls injury time is covered by insurance it could be a great situation for Washington to resetting their cap and financially great for the office. Essentially Washington can tank the year and be players in free agency next summer when Wall would come back. Beal could get them a couple decent players, but ultimately they need to work on that cap number. Working on their cap could be more valuable than a couple young players. Washington gains a young shooter on a rookie contract while they micro rebuild. Washington gets a 2nd round pick in the first draft that will allow HS players to make the jump.
Knicks trade #5 (Knicks picked player) + Dennis Smith Jr. + 2021 1st round pick + 2020 Charlotte 2nd round pick for Anthony Davis
reasoning: If LA is truly out of the equation AD price will be more reasonable. AD has been firm in that he won't be signing an extension this summer. They cannot have the same asking price as the deadline. Only Boston would pay more and AD has put doubt that he would resign with them. It comes down how silly will Danny Ainge go.
Projected roster:
Mitchell Robinson
Anthony Davis
Kevin Knox
Bradley Beal
Russell Westbrook
New Orleans' option with AD is limited. Apparently he wants to play in LA or NY, if this is true then he can wait and play out his final season in New Orleans. Then pick who he want to play for or he could be a nice guy and and force New Orleans to immediately trade him to NY for the #3 pick ensuring a reunion of Barrett and Zion. NY in return can give New Orleans the #3, Deandre Jordan, Lance Thomas, and Mudiah. New York need to give them nothing more or less. They cannot get a better deal anywhere else that can gaurantee a sold out arena in the 2019-2020 season and a promising bright future.