On Monday morning, the NBA World was shocked to learn that superstar power forward/center Anthony Davis had requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, and that he would not be signing the 5 year, 240 million super max contract that he would be eligible for at the end of this year. His agent, Rich Paul of the Klutch Sports Agency, said that Davis would like to join a team that is a legitimate contender. Today, we will look at some teams that could potentially make a deal for the disgruntled superstar.
Team #1 - Los Angeles Lakers
This one is obvious. The Lakers have some of the best young talent in the league. The Lakers should do anything possible to make this deal happen. LeBron and Davis would be absolutely terrifying to play, and it would propel the Lakers into contention for the number one spot in the West.
Offer - Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac/Josh Hart and picks for Davis, Ian Clark, and Darius Miller
The Lakers would have to dump their entire young core for this deal, and they should absolutely do it. If I am the Pelicans, this is probably the best deal I can get back for Davis.
Team #2 - Boston Celtics
The Celtics are in a sticky spot. They cannot trade with the Pelicans until July 1st, as Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis cannot be on the same team due to the Rose Rule. However, if Boston can convince the Pelicans to wait until the end of the year, they can easily give the best offer. Boston has a seemingly endless amount of first round picks that could be paired with some combination of Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum, and Gordon Hayward.
Offer - Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and two first round picks for Davis and Wesley Johnson.
This is an extremely good deal for the Celtics, as they get to keep Jayson Tatum. The Pelicans should try their best to get Tatum, as he is the best asset on the Celtics, and maybe even in the league. Danny Ainge will be very cautious about giving Tatum, as he is the future of the Celtics. The two first rounders and Hayward will make this offer among the best for New Orleans.
Team #3 - New York Knicks
While Davis has said he wants to join a contender, the Knicks can make a very good deal. Kristaps Porzingis would become expendable, and he might be enough to convince the Pelicans. Davis joining the Knicks could lead to Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, or Kemba Walker teaming up with AD in the offseason.
Offer - Kristaps Porzingis, Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, Lance Thomas, 2019 1st round pick for Davis and Ian Clark
The Pelicans should wait until after the NBA Draft Lottery to pull the trigger on this, as Kristaps will be fully healthy, and the 2019 first rounder will be known. If it is number one overall, the Pelicans could replace Davis with Zion Williamson, and would form a terrifying twin towers with Porzingis. The Knicks should try and tank for the rest of the year if they want the best shot at getting Davis.
Team #3 - Toronto Raptors
If Toronto wants to establish themselves as true contenders for the title, they should make this deal. Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis could easily match the Warriors in overall talent and potential. The would have to get rid of key young oieces like OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, but it is definitely worth it.
Offer - Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, and picks for Davis
The talent this deal features is unreal. Siakam and Anunoby have all-star potential in their careers, and Ibaka is an established veteran that can stretch the floor. This deal is could swoon the Pelicans into pulling the trigger if the picks they are given are good enough.
These four teams have the most assets available to make this deal. However, Davis becomes a free agent after the 2019-2020 season, and its anybodies game then. For all we know, Davis could follow in Demarcus Cousins' footsteps and sign with the Warriors on a veteran minimums deal.
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