Ok, I've really talked myself into the Knicks having the best package to offer – contingent upon them doing some pre-agency negotiation w/ KD (who is a free agent, and there's no way he's going back to GSW).
- Kristaps
- Knox
- Trier
- Lee (more on him in a minute)
- 2019 1st (top 3 guaranteed at the moment)
That trumps anything the Lakers or even the Celtics could offer, largely because Porzingis is better than any of the available players on their rosters, partially because Knox, Trier & the 2019 pick are all young players with upside, and partially because Lee actually gives the Pels flexibility to go get a second-level star who wants out.
As it stands, New Orleans have two significant expirings on next year's roster in Solomon Hill ($13.3m) and E'Twuan Moore (8.7m, but I think he'll be traded in the next week). Getting Lee would give them flexibility and the chance to match numbers for any team who wants to get rid of a big contract.
They need to do something like this because they're absolutely not going to get any high-level player in free agency, and if things go right they'll be too good to get a top pick w/ their own. But having $25m of expirings and a couple of good young players would put them in the mix for guys like Wiggins or Otto Porter.
If I was NOP I would absolutely tell the Knicks and Celtics to sit tight and refuse to deal with the Lakers until the summer. I hope that's what happens.