As the Knicks get ready to embark on the most important two weeks of their best-laid plans for rebuilding, it's worth taking a look at who was holding the championship trophy and spraying champagne Thursday night.
Saturday's reported trade of Anthony Davis from the Pelicans to the Lakers has created a roadblock on one avenue the Knicks could have taken.
The Knicks hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, giving them their third straight lottery pick. They have stashed away approximately $70 million in salary-cap space, enough for two max-salary stars. And that is the centerpiece of the long, painful path to rebuilding.