The New York Knicks have hit a rough patch lately.
The franchise has lost four of its last five games, and considering it’s as healthy as it can be, it’s a bit concerning, to say the least.
While a blockbuster trade isn’t necessary for New York to land in the NBA title conversation, Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas believes that acquiring a former Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward and NBA champion could help the Knicks tremendously in their ongoing championship pursuit.
“If New York pulls a trade for AD (Anthony Davis), I mean, he swings the balance very similar to when Rasheed Wallace was traded from Atlanta (Hawks) several years ago, and he came to Detroit (Pistons) and all of a sudden, you know, Detroit takes off,” Thomas said.
“I thought Rasheed, wherever he went in the East at that point in time, that team was going to elevate to the championship…In the East, he’s a difference maker.”
Before Friday, the idea of the Knicks prying Davis from the Dallas Mavericks was one worth exploring. Davis has proven to be a dynamic two-way forward who can be a key contributor on a title-winning squad and deliver in clutch moments.
Based on Davis’ recent injury report, though, it’s unlikely the Mavericks will trade the 10-time All-Star before the deadline.
“Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has sustained ligament damage in his left hand,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X/Twitter. “Depending on second opinion and if surgery is required, Davis could miss a number of months.”
"There is a real chance Davis -- one of the NBA's prime trade targets -- will be sidelined through the Feb. 5 NBA deadline. And possibly beyond, depending on the need for surgery.”
Although injured players have been traded before, Davis, who’s known for suffering persistent and upper and lower body injuries, should expect his trade value to plummet.
Thomas’ trade concept is still alluring, but there’s a good chance it doesn’t occur this season.
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