Dark Horses in the Anthony Davis Stakes
Anthony Davis has entered the fray of NBA stars looking to move, with his agent declaring he will not sign a max deal with the New Orleans Pelicans and demanding a trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the obvious destination for Davis, as he shares an agent with LeBron James and it’s a matter of time before they add a second star. The Boston Celtics are also at the top of any list of Davis destinations, but they can’t make a deal until the offseason unless they trade Kyrie Irving.
Davis may be on the move before the trade deadline on Feb. 7, and even if he stays there’s a growing question if he ever plays for the Pelicans again as he currently misses time with a finger injury.
Next up on any realistic list of Davis suitors, in some order, are the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets. All have pieces (future draft picks, expiring contracts, young players) to make an offer New Orleans would entertain. The Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder could also be in the mix, with a strong case to part with significant assets to get Davis.
Until further notice the Lakers and Celtics will stand above the crowd in the trade market for Davis, though for whatever it’s worth he appears to be lukewarm on the Celtics.
It’s now out there Davis doesn’t want to return to his hometown to play for the Chicago Bulls. But practically any other team could talk themselves into at least making a call to Pelicans’ general manager Dell Demps (assuming he’ll answer).