The New York Knicks had a very slim shot to land Anthony Davis in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans due to the clear lack of assets, but there might be a salvaging point if things don't go as planned with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks could strike in free agency if Davis' partnership with LeBron James doesn't pan out as he initially expected.

“Anthony Davis will be a 2020 free agent and if things unravel with the Lakers and LeBron James doesn’t have it anymore, AD would be a possibility. According to a source, Davis would certainly be interested in the Knicks in 2020 if he’s not re-signing long term in Los Angeles.”

The Knicks infamously tried to shoot their shot at Davis, telling him they'd be interested in signing him in free agency, knowing the slim chances they'd have to trade for him. And they weren't wrong for it.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden
Knicks rumors: How player input factored into New York’s decision to fire Tom ThibodeauQuinn Allen ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) talks with Assistant Coach Rick Brunson in the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons questions the role Jalen Brunson’s dad will play in Knicks’ HC searchJulian Ojeda ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Knicks expected to make Jason Kidd request after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns looking sad, with Lakers, Warriors, Bucks, Suns, Mavericks, Spurs, Rockets, Cavs logos all over him
Ranking 4 Karl-Anthony Towns trade destinations if Knicks blow it upJedd Pagaduan ·
Knicks' Mikal Bridges looking serious, with Lakers, Warriors, Thunder, 76ers, Pistons, Rockets, Spurs logos around him, question marks all over
Ranking 5 Mikal Bridges trade destinations if Knicks blow it upJedd Pagaduan ·
Knicks logo in the middle, with head cutouts (head only) of Landry Shamet, PJ Tucker, Delon Wright, Cameron Payne, Precious Achiuwa around the logo, question marks all over
3 best players New York Knicks must re-sign in 2025 NBA free agencyJedd Pagaduan ·

Davis' agent; Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told the media his client would not be signing a contract extension with any team, including the Lakers — likely looking for the whole bag for his client, as he stands to make the max over a five-year deal by re-signing with Los Angeles.

While signing with the Knicks wouldn't be as lucrative, there are plenty of marketing opportunities in The Big Apple, one he and Paul could capitalize on as they grow his brand.

Davis listed Los Angeles and New York as his only two destinations before he was traded, so should things go awry in La La Land, the Knicks' front office duo of Steve Mills and Scott Perry won't take long to come calling.