To no one’s surprise, the New Orleans Pelicans realize it’s time to rebuild and start entertaining offers for Anthony Davis. According to Shams Charania of The Atlantic, the Pelicans are now definitely doing just that. Charania also said according to rival executives around the league, four teams in particular have a shot to put together a great deal to acquire him.
Those four teams are the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks. The Lakers and Knicks are on Davis’ preferred list of teams he would play for, along with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite Meeting Last Week With Pelicans, Davis Unlikely To Change His Mind
The sides had a sit-down last Wednesday, with executive vice president David Griffin leading the way. The objective was for Griffin to try to sell Davis on staying in New Orleans, but it’s highly unlikely that he’ll change his mind.
In the meeting last Wednesday, they tried selling Davis on playing with Zion Williamson, who New Orleans will draft number one overall on June 20th. With Davis not wavering on his stance, the Pelicans have to start doing what’s best for their franchise.
Everyone knew that Davis wouldn’t waver on his trade demand. He’s eyeing a team that he can win with, especially a team in a big market. As for which team the Pelicans should make a trade with, let’s break it down.
Anthony Davis: Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been linked to Davis for the past couple of years now. No doubt, they have the assets to acquire him, but here’s the problem. Boston is looking to keep their star point guard, Kyrie Irving, who’ll be a free agent this summer. A trade for Davis will depend on if they can keep Irving in Boston. If that happens, the Celtics have more assets to work with to get the deal done.
Anthony Davis: New York Knicks
The Knicks are also in on the Davis sweepstakes, which isn’t surprising. Their first priority, however, is to land an agreement with Kevin Durant this summer in free agency. But they have the third overall pick to work with, which is a great selling point. As of now, the key young players the Knicks have are Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox, and Dennis Smith Jr. So for the Knicks to land Davis, they might have to trade down to accumulate more picks to help sweeten the pot.
Anthony Davis: Los Angeles Lakers
Out of all of the suitors bidding for Davis’ services, the Lakers are the team feeling the pressure to get a deal done. They know they can’t waste another season of LeBron James‘ prime, because he turns 35 years of age in December.
As for what they can offer New Orleans, they can offer the fourth overall pick, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and maybe either Josh Hart or Kyle Kuzma. Most are thinking they shouldn’t offer the young core for Davis. But if the Lakers strike out in free agency, they just might have to.
Anthony Davis: Brooklyn Nets
The fourth team Charania reported that rival executives feel can get Davis are the Nets. Brooklyn’s goal is to create two max spots to land two superstar free agents. They’ll have to trade Allen Crabbe to get that done. As for what they could give up in a deal for Davis, they could part with players like Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris, their first round pick, and either Spencer Dinwiddie or Rodions Kurucs.
What To Look For Regarding The Davis And Pelicans Saga?
We all know it’s only a matter of time until Davis is traded. Both sides have to move forward and hanging onto Davis until February’s trading deadline would be foolish. As for my prediction on which team would acquire him, the Nets or Knicks are the likeliest destinations.
But there could be a team out there who’ll take a chance on Davis. That team could follow the Toronto Raptors’ lead (Kawhi Leonard trade) and rent him for a year. A team like the the Denver Nuggets fits that mold. They have depth and young players that they could offer.
They could trade Paul Millsap after picking up his team option for next season ($30 million), Malik Beasley or Gary Harris, and draft picks. The Nuggets owe the Nets their 2019 first round pick via trade, but have picks for 2020 and beyond at their disposal.
