Many members of the New Orleans Pelicans, particularly head coach Alvin Gentry, are still embittered by the way Rich Paul manipulated Anthony Davis this season, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.
Davis' trade request essentially ruined the Pelicans' season. New Orleans is thankful Zion Williamson didn't sign with Klutch Sports and chose CAA instead. The Pelicans are expected to select Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which is on June 20.
There are many within the Pelicans organization who are still embittered by the way Paul manipulated Davis last season, particularly coach Alvin Gentry, and having Williamson lined up with Paul would have opened wounds that are only recently healed. That won't be a problem with CAA.
Davis reportedly still wants to be traded despite the Pelicans winning the draft lottery. At this point, New Orleans and David Griffin just have to move on from AD and get the best return possible.
Davis played in only 56 games in 2018-19. The All-Star big man averaged 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 blocks.
AD was booed at home by Pelicans fans after his trade request was leaked by the media, making the second half of the season a mess for New Orleans.