The Brooklyn Nets' aggressive approach this offseason could do little to persuade Anthony Davis into staying if the team traded for him this offseason. According to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, the potential free agent acquisition of Kyrie Irving won't change Davis' stance of not re-signing for the long term.
“As colleague Shams Charania reported, the Knicks and Lakers are Davis’ preferred destinations. And while the Nets have been heavily linked to Kyrie Irving in free agency, The Athletic has learned that Brooklyn potentially signing the six-time All-Star guard wouldn’t presently change Davis’ stance on not re-signing long-term with the team if they acquire him this summer.”
Davis and his camp (Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul) have carried a stiff bargain for his services, basically telling any teams not named the Los Angeles Lakers that he could be a one-year rental — the same strategy employed by Paul George's camp before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kawhi Leonard's camp also employed the same strategy, warning teams he was looking to end up in his native Los Angeles.
That narrative changed quickly for George, as he re-signed with OKC for four years, and it could certainly change for Leonard, who is coming off beating the Golden State Warriors and securing his second NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors.
This intimidation tactic is meant to keep teams from taking a stab at Davis and make it easier for the Lakers, but many around the league are willing to take the plunge and trade for Davis, knowing that a lot can change in a year's time.
