The New York Knicks are in the market for an NBA superstar. With a strong core to build around and draft capital that rivals anyone other than the Oklahoma City Thunder, the pieces are present to make a deal.
For years, the Knicks were used only as leverage for players looking to get out of their current situations; no one wanted actually to land in New York. But, that tenor has changed around the franchise as they have what looks to be a sustainable winning product.
Last offseason, it was Donovan Mitchell who slipped through their hands. This offseason they were loosely linked to Joel Embiid and James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Another player who the team reportedly checked in on was Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. Marc Berman, a former New York Post beat writer, shared the scoop while appearing on The Knicks Recap podcast.
“New Orleans is still not sold on Zion Williamson. Obviously, there’s a risk there, all eyes on him this season. I was told the Knicks checked in over the offseason about Zion. That could be a possibility…”
This isn’t the first time Williamson has been connected to the Knicks, and it likely won’t be the last. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has plenty of mock-ups wearing the orange and blue as fans hoped the lottery balls would fall New York’s way.
Instead, the Pelicans landed the No. 1 pick, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies, who selected Ja Morant. That led to RJ Barrett landing with the Knicks, something most fans are happier about now, given how things have turned out for the other two.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Signed to a max rookie extension last offseason, there is no denying the impact that Williamson can have while on the court. Staying on the court, however, has been a major issue as he has dealt with a number of different injuries.
It would be a major risk for the Knicks to bring in a player like Williamson. But, there is also a major reward if they keep him healthy and on the court.
