The New York Knicks hit rock bottom this season, finishing with a league-low 17 wins. However, just when it seemed like it couldn’t get any worse for Knicks fans, it did. NJBetting.com breaks it down:
Despite being tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns for the best odds in the NBA to win the draft lottery, New York fell to the third-overall position, missing out on generational talent Zion Williamson.
While that was a blow, there is still plenty of optimism in New York. The franchise is looking to sign – or acquire – Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving this offseason.
There’s even rumors Anthony Davis could join the fray. As a result, DraftKings Sportsbook has already posted NJ online sports betting odds on the team’s chances to win it all next season as they’re assuming the Knicks get at least one or two starts.
Will Kevin Durant Sign With The Knicks?
Kevin Durant is the biggest name that New York will pursue this offseason. While the Knicks appear to be among the favorites to land Durant, nobody knows for sure if it will happen.
It’s long been assumed that he’ll end up in New York but his management team doused some water on that this week, suggesting that no decision has been made.
Marc Stein of the New York Times also reported that the Los Angeles Clippers are on equal footing with the Knicks. The good news is that it looks like his time is up in Golden State.
The Warriors look like they can win titles without him and he’s accomplished what he set out to do in Golden State.
If he’s looking for a chance to shine and be a foundational piece – not just the cherry on top – the Knicks can offer him that.
Will Kyrie Irving Sign With The New York Knicks?
Another name that has been closely linked to New York throughout this offseason is Kyrie Irving, who is also set to become a free agent.
Irving, who is coming off a disappointing season with the Boston Celtics, looks like he is ready for a fresh start somewhere else. However, the potential addition of Irving raises some interesting questions.
The issue for the Knicks seems to be that it’s either both or none. If Durant signs somewhere else, maybe Irving heads to Brooklyn to play for the Nets. After all, he grew up in New Jersey. Or if Irving stays with the Celtics or signs with the Los Angeles Lakers – as much of a long shot as that might be – Durant might choose to go somewhere else too.
The allure for both is that if they both end up in New York, the team immediately becomes playoff-caliber.
Add a third star and they become championship-worthy. If they’re both there, the turnaround should happen quickly.
Will The New York Knicks Acquire Anthony Davis This Offseason?
The third piece is the longest shot but the Anthony Davis to the Knicks rumors don’t seem to be dying. There might be a very good reason for that.
If New York manages to draft Morant or Barrett, and then sign Durant and Irving, it would completely change the complexion of the franchise.
The question is what do they send back? Maybe a package of Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, the third pick in the draft starts to sound good to the New Orleans Pelicans, who don’t seem to want to deal with the Lakers.
New York Knicks 2019-20 Championship Odds At DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook has already hinted at how good the Knicks have the potential to be by labeling them at:
+350 odds to win an NBA title if they land Durant, Davis and Irving.
The addition of Davis as part of a new big three would make this team an instant contender in the Eastern Conference. Davis and Durant are top-five players in the league. Bringing together those two would send shockwaves throughout the NBA.
Then you add a star point guard like Irving to the mix and this team would have the best Big Three in the NBA. Regardless of what the rest of the roster looks like, this would be one heck of a contender.
Even if they miss on Davis but still sign Durant and Irving, they would rocket up the board to +800 odds. Along with someone like Barrett, that would give them a strong foundation to compete next season.
