The New Orleans Pelicans are in a precarious position in regards to Anthony Davis' future. On one hand, they want to surround him with enough talent to win and ultimately convince Davis to stay in New Orleans long-term. But on the other hand, dealing first-round draft picks for a player to help them win now could hamper the Pelicans if the five-time All-Star ultimately decides to leave in free agency.
Bobby Marks of ESPN believes that Pelicans general manager Dell Demps is willing to deal a first-round pick for a player who can improve the team right now. Marks writes:
“GM Dell Demps has proven the past two years that he is willing to sacrifice a first-round pick if the opportunity comes to upgrade the roster. Now approaching the trade deadline, the Pelicans' first-rounder is the best asset to improve this roster.
“The uncertain future of Anthony Davis, the possibility of not making the playoffs and a void at small forward should once again have New Orleans looking to make upgrades at the expense of a draft asset.”
If New Orleans was playing well, this would be a no-brainer. In fact, it's probably an easy call to trade the pick to put the best possible team around Davis. That being said, if the Pelicans fade down the stretch, trading the pick will come back to bite New Orleans.
Davis could leave New Orleans in 2020 if he chooses not to opt into the final year of his contract for the 2020-21 season. Nonetheless, for the time being, Demps has to play it out as if they will re-sign Davis long-term.
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