Knicks’ path to Anthony Davis just got a lot more complicated

TORONTO — There’s now some clarity regarding both what the Pelicans want and what Anthony Davis wants.

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The Knicks’ chances of landing Davis, New Orleans’ superstar big man, by throwing a load of future assets at the Pelicans apparently could need a third team to get something accomplished. According to ESPN, the Pelicans’ new executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin wants an All-Star player in the package — along with a player with All-Star potential and two first-round picks.

The Knicks can fill all the requirements except for a current All-Star, as they became bereft of such a standout the moment Kristaps Porzingis requested a trade and was dealt to Dallas an hour later.

The report also stated the Knicks, Clippers, Nets and Lakers are in the mix for Davis. The Celtics were not mentioned.

Meanwhile, The Athletic reported that Davis wants to go to either the Knicks or Lakers long term. While that could theoretically help the Knicks, it’s worth noting that New Orleans also doesn’t have to honor Davis’ preference. In fact, recent history of NBA superstar trades is evidence of that. The Spurs moved Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. The Cavs sent Kyrie Irving to Boston. The Timberwolves shipped Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia.

Getting a third team to join the Davis sweepstakes seems like a requirement for some of Davis’ reported suitors. The Celtics’ situation is complicated by the unknown status of Irving, who’s set to be a free agent.

In trying to meet the demands of Griffin’s reported wish list, the Knicks could give New Orleans one of three potential All-Stars in youngsters Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson or Dennis Smith Jr. and their two first-round picks from Dallas (2021 and 2023). Then the Knicks would need to probably dangle their third overall pick in this month’s draft (which could be either the rights to RJ Barrett or Ja Morant) to a third team that would provide the Pelicans with an All-Star type.

That third team would likely need more than just the Knicks’ third pick. The Knicks may have to also include whichever of their promising young players does not head to the Pelicans in a Davis deal. Hence, the total package going away could be Knox, Smith, the third-overall pick and Dallas’ two first-rounders.

It’s a significant package for Davis, who is a free agent in 2020 and has yet to accomplish big things in the postseason.

“I’m not sure [Griffin’s] going to get all that,’’ one NBA scout said.

In order to still have room for two max-salary slots in July, the Knicks would have to clear out more cap space, probably stuffing Frank Ntilikina into the package.

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The Knicks realize such a trade is probably impossible and are content to pair Davis with another max star such as Kevin Durant or Toronto’s Leonard, whose stock has risen. Leonard is on the cusp of winning another championship and perhaps an NBA Finals MVP.

A Davis trade on draft night would likely make the Knicks a lot more appealing to Durant, in particular. With reports Irving prefers the Nets over the Knicks, Durant could well be reluctant to join the Knicks’ young roster without a proven star at his side.

Davis is widely considered a top-five player and the Knicks believe he is willing to sign a long-term deal with the franchise. Davis called the Knicks “a great organization” at All-Star weekend.

The Lakers enhanced their chances of landing Davis, too, by landing the fourth pick in the draft. They probably have more highly regarded young assets, too.

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Davis’ rep, Rich Paul, also handles LeBron James — a reason the Pelicans could favor the Knicks and Nets over the Lakers. The Nets have a recently minted All-Star in D’Angelo Russell, but he’s a free agent.

Griffin’s goal was to convince Davis to stay long term after the Pelicans won the lottery and the rights to budding superstar Zion Williamson, but Davis prefers a larger market.

Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has denied it, but a report stated she doesn’t want Davis to get his way and land with LeBron’s Lakers.