Suitors would line up now and later
Pacific to Atlantic to Central among options for Davis
Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis wants out of the Big Easy.
But where does he want to go? Better yet — where will he end up? And will he be moved before the NBA’s Feb. 7 trade deadline?
We take a look at some potential landing spots for the 25-year-old big man who, despite emerging as one of the top-five talents in the league since being drafted No. 1 overall out of Kentucky in 2012, has won one playoff series — last season — during his time with the Pelicans.
Keep in mind: Davis can become a free agent in the summer of 2020.
Lakers
Davis landing with the Lakers has had a preordained air about it since he raised eyebrows by signing with agent Rich Paul in September. Then there was LeBron James’ comment that it would be “amazing” to play with Davis, followed by Davis’ own admission that he was more concerned with “legacy” than money. It sounded like a plan then, it feels even more like one now.
Los Angeles’ current woes with James injured point to their lack of depth, but there are some trade parts that could interest New Orleans. While the Lakers would prefer to hang on to most of their young core, letting go of some combination of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and draft picks in order to get arguably the best big man in the game would surely be something they could live with. The fact that Davis, it seems, has the Lakers as his top op- tion makes this the likeliest outcome.
Celtics
It’s no surprise the Celtics would like to acquire Davis. They’ve had their eyes on him for years, and they have the assets and players on the roster to pull it off. But the Celtics can’t make a deal for Davis — while keeping Kyrie Irving — until July 1. NBA rules prevent teams from acquiring more than one player via trade who signed a “Derrick Rose Rule” extension, which allows teams to pay a player coming off his rookie contract a higher percentage of the salary cap if he meets certain requirements. The Celtics traded for Irving, meaning they can’t acquire Davis via trade until after the season when Irving becomes a free agent and signs a new deal.
Knicks
Paul told ESPN that Davis “wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.” While the Knicks don’t exactly fit the bill, the bright lights of the Big Apple almost always keep the franchise in consideration when it comes to landing big-name players.
ESPN reported that the Knicks are going to be “aggressive” in their pursuit of Davis, and with budding superstar Kristaps Porzingis, a high lottery pick this summer and a few other young and talented pieces on the roster, the Knicks have a lot they can offer.
Bulls
This is a long shot, for sure, but Davis is from Chicago, and the Bulls have players (Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr., Zach LaVine) and picks to trade. But it would be a huge gamble, especially with no guarantee Davis re-signs with Chicago when he becomes a free agent. With Paul saying Davis wants to play on a winning team, that makes the Bulls less likely, especially considering what they would have to give up to get him. Further complicating: Davis has no desire to play in his hometown.
Clippers
Could Davis somehow end up playing in Staples Center, but not in the Purple and Gold? It’s certainly possible. The Clippers are expected to be one of the biggest players in the free agency game this summer, and while they don’t have the rich history of the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks or Bulls, they have some enticing assets — forward Tobias Harris, 26, is in the midst of a career year, and rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the potential to be a star.
Warriors
Don’t discount Golden State automatically. There’s no way the Warriors would make this move before the trade deadline, but in the offseason, they have some decisions to make. Do they re-sign Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson? What does DeMarcus Cousins do in free agency? What is Draymond Green’s future with the team? It would be a bold move, and Golden State would have to give up key pieces from a dynasty. But if they want to keep it rolling …