New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis has become the focal point and the top star the rest of the league will inquire about as the trade deadline nears. Yet, this saga has become a troublesome nightmare for those around NBA front offices, who have been unable to tell if Davis is willing to accept a trade to any particular team if he is to leave.
Per ESPN‘s Zach Lowe:
“Davis has not yet told those close to him that he is dead set on the Lakers or any other specific team should he decide to leave, according to a source familiar with his thinking. He does not appear ready to demand a trade. All of that could, of course, change at any moment.”
Davis could also decide to accept a five-year, $240 million supermax offer from the Pelicans but judging by his statement that money will not be the primary factor in his looming free agent decision, it's highly unlikely that he takes it if the 15-20 Pelicans don't turn their season around soon.
The Lakers are in the driver's seat of this potential acquisition, having the assets and the cap space to make this trade happen as it is. The Celtics will be in the race as well but only during free agency, given their designated player exception was already used in Kyrie Irving and could only be given to Davis if the players are traded for one another — something that would crumble the thought of an Irving-Davis partnership.
The lack of a clear picture of where Davis is leaning makes it tougher on every team, especially the Pelicans, who would likely offer more than a penny for his thoughts in hopes to take the best action moving forward.
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