A couple of days ago, All-Star forward Anthony Davis officially requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans. Although rumors have been swirling for a couple of months, his decision to part ways with the team that drafted him back in 2012 still came as a shocker. Davis has always shown loyalty to the franchise, but they can't build a competitive team around him.
Davis made the request via his agent, Rich Paul. So a lot of people still waited for him to say something about the matter. He had this to say.
"I will always have a place in my heart for this city. Of course it was tough, but at the same time I had to think about myself and my future and my career and move forward." – #Pelicans star (for now) Anthony Davis discussing his trade request
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) February 1, 2019
Davis has played his entire seven-year career with the Pelicans, thus far. As an individual, he became one of the best players in the league. However, his talent hasn't been enough to bring success to the team. Davis led the Pelicans to the playoffs last year, where they had an impressive showing in the first round by sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers, before bowing down to the eventual champions Golden State Warriors in the second round.
The Pelicans haven't been able to replicate last season's performance. They lost key players and became one of the worst teams in the league despite Davis' monster numbers. The All-NBA forward remained patient throughout the season, but eventually decided that it's time to move on.
The Pelicans' lack of urgency to provide Davis a good supporting cast is the main reason why the 25-year-old star has decided to move on. Now they will rebuild, and getting the best deal out for Davis is a good start.