Knicks Trade Rumors: Anthony Davis Has New York on 'Equal Footing' with Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans All-Star big man Anthony Davis, who has requested a trade, may not be destined for the Los Angeles Lakers after all.

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported on Wednesday that "Davis has the Knicks on equal footing with the Lakers in terms of teams he is interested in signing with long-term." Stein also reported the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks as "preferred destinations" for Davis.

The Knicks' best bet at acquiring Davis is via free agency in 2020, when the six-time All-Star becomes a free agent (assuming he exercises his player option).

It's hard to fathom how the Knicks could hypothetically pull off a deal for Davis prior to the trade deadline. New York's former best asset is now in Dallas with Kristaps Porzingis a Maverick.

The Knicks do have all of their future first-round picks, including what looks to be a high lottery pick this summer. However, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Pelicans rejected a deal for six Lakers and two first-round picks. Therefore, chances are New York will have to wait till 2020 to woo Davis.

The good news for New York is that Stein reported Davis isn't interested in signing a long-term deal with any team until 2020. It also helps that Stein reported the Boston Celtics, who have been involved in trade rumors for Davis, aren't in the cards for a long-term deal.

Per Spotrac, the Knicks have the most 2020-2021 cap space in the league. The question is who the Knicks go after and whether they are successful, as the team hasn't been able to convince other free agents (e.g. LeBron James and Kevin Durant) in the past.