Fansided

2019 NBA Mock Draft: When trades enter the equation

By Brendon Kleen

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Duke Zion Nike
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

27. . F. Duke. Zion Williamson. 1. player

Over at MyBookie, the odds for which team Kevin Durant plays for list the Lakers as the favorite at +175. That runs contrary to what well-sourced reporters have been saying all season long and even into last year. The past 18 months, the Knicks widely have been assumed as the team most likely to woo Durant away from Golden State. They are at +300 according to MyBookie, but let’s explore what it will look like should Durant head to the Big Apple.

After trading Kristaps Porzingis and his big cap hold to Dallas, the Knicks are in position to strike twice in free agency, with two maximum salary slots available to them. That has led some to posit that New York might also be able to sign Kyrie Irving with that second maximum salary, but it’s less clear what Irving will do. The Celtics and Warriors are both facing tough matchups in the second round that could affect each player’s decision.

If Durant comes to the Knicks without help from a veteran, however, Williamson would be a fascinating co-pilot. It would be a huge departure to the comfortable structure in which Durant has thrived the past three seasons with the Warriors, where all the players were in their prime and his team was the favorite to win the title each spring.

dark. Next. The Step Back 2019 NBA Draft Big Board: March Update

Remarkably, comparing as we often do Durant to LeBron James, the opportunity to play with Williamson would only further the similarities between the careers of each player. Williamson, in that hypothetical, would be the Irving to Durant’s James.

Williamson is going to be able to contribute right away on an NBA court because of the efficiency and two-way energy he brings to the floor. It might not result in another championship right away for Durant, but it would be a better situation to build a team than almost any other squad could offer.

Check out our full scouting report on Zion Williamson.

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