New York are likely to be one of themes active franchises this summer trying to make big moves.
They have enough cap space to sign two max salary players, with the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving being linked.
But there was bitter disappointment in the city on the night of the NBA Draft Lottery after they failed to get the No 1 pick.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that could end up working in their favour heading into the trade market.
While Williamson is seen as a generational talent, New York may have been reluctant to try and dangle him in trade talks for Davis.
Instead, the Knicks are likely to land RJ Barrett with the No 3 pick and Windhorst suggests New York will use him in trade talks with the Pelicans for Davis.
Several teams will be looking to try and strike a deal with New Orleans for the six-time All-Star, with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers heavily linked.
But Windhorst adds that the Knicks could be in the driving seat as Davis supposedly would love to head to Madison Square Garden.
“I think the Knicks turned out just right,” he said on ESPN’s The Jump.
“I don’t think they could have talked themselves into trading Zion Williamson for Anthony Davis.
“But the No 3 pick is a different story and I think the Knicks are absolutely in the game.
“I think Anthony Davis wants to be in New York.”
And Stephen A. Smith backs up Windhorst’s assumption, saying he has had that too.
“First of all, he does want to be in New York,” he added.
“A matter of fact he wants to be in New York, one could argue, just as much, if not, more than he wants to be in L.A. with the Lakers.”