A package built around Julius Randle and draft capital
In this first trade offer, the New York Knicks would be a package around Julius Randle who has just a couple more years remaining on his contract), two strong young pieces in Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes, and two first-round picks (one from Dallas and one from New York). I’m not sure if this offer is good enough for the Pelicans to accept but it’s certainly strong enough to get the conversation started between the Knicks and Pelicans.
New Orleans is not in a completely commanding spot when it comes to Zion’s potential trade value. If they were to get to a point where they’re actively searching for trade offers, that’s something that has to be taken into consideration. He’s struggled to remain healthy throughout the first few years of his career and despite his dominance when he’s healthy, that certainly complicates his theoretical trade value.
This initial offer is something where the Knicks could get their feet wet and the Pelicans can truly sort out what they want in a potential deal for Zion.
This is a feeling-out offer that almost certainly gets denied, but it will give the Knicks true insight into what the Pelicans would want.