UPPING THE ANTE
Davis makes sure Celtics are one of landing spots
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Yes, Anthony Davis confirmed the Knicks are on his list of preferred destinations, along with the Lakers, Clippers and Bucks, but he also denied Saturday during All-Star Weekend festivities any notion the Celtics are not on that list, too.
That revelation is not the best news for the Knicks in the trade sweepstakes that will likely resume after the lottery decides teams’ draft positions.
The Knicks figured to have an inside track because of Davis’ reported preference to play in New York long term — in addition to the Lakers. Davis praised the Knicks on Saturday and said playing in the Garden was special.
“It’s a great franchise, playing in the Garden, the city.” Davis said. “But also Milwaukee was on that list too. It doesn’t matter about big market, small market. It’s all about winning for me. It’s what the best fit is for me.’’
However, he made a strong point to dispute reports he didn’t want to play for Boston long term. Davis’ father recently ripped the Celtics, saying they mistreated Isaiah Thomas.
The Celtics figure to have a larger stockpile of assets than the Knicks — unless the Knicks get one of the top two picks.
“They’re on my list,’’ Davis said of Boston. “I never said Boston was not on my list. They were never not on my list.”
Later on NBA TV, Davis said, “All 29 teams are on my list. I don’t have a preferred destination. I just want to win. Big market, small market. I want to win. I’ve never given a destination. Anthony Davis has never given a destination where he wants to play.”
For all his talk about lists, Davis added he was “going to test free agency in 2020-21.’’
The Knicks have a trove of young assets they can throw into a deal beyond their top lottery pick.
Those include Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr., Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson and Dallas’ two future first-round picks obtained in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. Robinson and Davis share the same trainer in Marcel Scott, who is living in New York for the season.
Former Pelicans general manager Dell Demps liked the Knicks’ assets but was fired Friday. Danny Ferry is the interim GM. Knicks GM Scott Perry was close to Demps.
“My intentions are the same no matter who is the GM,’’ Davis said. “They made the decision that was best for the organization.”
Davis admitted the trade at the deadline, “probably wasn’t going to happen.’’
Now the Pelicans are debating how much to play Davis the rest of the way.
“I don’t think it’s awkward,’’ Davis said. “We wanted to get something done. It didn’t happen.
“My intent is to continue to play. That’s their decision. I’m still training like I’m in the season. I’m not doing anything I normally wouldn‘t do.”
Davis has never been out of the second round of the playoffs for all his big-man hybrid gifts. And the Pelicans have surrounded him with talent.
All along, this maneuver seemed to be a power play to get to Los Angeles and play with LeBron James, with whom he will Sunday in the All-Star Game as part of Team LeBron. Davis’ agent is Rich Paul, who also represents James.
New Orleans supposedly was not enthused by the Lakers’ offer that included at least Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and draft picks. Lakers president Magic Johnson said last week the Pelicans didn’t negotiate in good faith.
Now a new man will be in charge of those Davis negotiations and the Knicks can only hope against the Celtics.