The Dallas Mavericks are off to a 2-6 start, and things are unlikely to improve for Jason Kidd’s team until the return of Kyrie Irving from an ACL tear. Amid the chaos, some analysts have urged the New York Knicks to swing for the fences and possibly pull off an Anthony Davis trade — to bolster their front-court defense.
Such a trade would mean a frontcourt of Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns — two Kentucky alums who share a friendship off the court and a lot of mutual respect. Fadeaway World proposed an idea that would see the Knicks part with two key rotational pieces and a first-round pick to land the 10-time All-Star.
Knicks would receive: Anthony Davis
Mavericks would receive: OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, 2026 first-round pick (WAS)
How the Trade Helps Both Teams
The Knicks acquire a reliable defensive anchor in Davis, a significant upgrade considering Mitchell Robinson’s health issues and Towns’ poor defensive instincts.
As for the Mavericks, they get two excellent wings to put next to Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and P.J, Washington, while elevating Dereck Lively II to a more prominent role. Even with Davis’ exit, they’ll have two reliable big men in Lively and Daniel Gafford, a luxury that not many teams have, especially in the West.
Fadeaway World explained why the Knicks should aggressively pursue Davis.
“From his defensive switchability, rim protection ability, and overall offensive versatility, acquiring Davis could boost the Knicks’ rotation. With a potential frontcourt featuring Mikal Bridges, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York could potentially boast one of the league’s best frontcourts.
“Although this would relegate a player like Robinson to a deeper bench role, it could have merit in improving New York’s overall bench strength. With roster depth becoming a key aspect of championship-contending teams, the Knicks may see value in pursuing this trade.”
Knicks Defense Has Improved
Last season, the Knicks were one of the worst teams in the NBA at protecting the rim, specifically due to Towns’ inability to perform the role. That’s precisely why former head coach Tom Thibodeau inserted Mitchell Robinson into the starting unit late in the playoffs, a strategy his successor, Mike Brown, has continued with thus far.
Brown’s Knicks have proven to be more efficient in protecting the rim, ranking fifth in the league in opponent paint points and a respectable 13th in defensive rating. Still, Towns’ issues persist, as he ranks 74th in the league in defensive win shares and 191st in defensive rating, allowing teams to score 111.1 points per 100 possessions.
The addition of Davis would instantly make the Knicks an elite defensive team.
“For all his injury concerns and inconsistent availability, the 32-year-old is one of the best big men in the league when he is available,” wrote Fadeaway World.
Davis, currently dealing with a calf strain, is not expected to miss much time, according to Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
“AD is ramping up. He’s going to continue to be evaluated day-to-day. He’s reported that he’s feeling better,” Kidd said, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.
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