With the NBA Finals potentially ending on Monday night in Toronto, the countdown to the draft and free agency is about to begin in full swing.
One of the biggest names that actually isn’t a free agent but is expected to be moved is Anthony Davis. The Pelicans have already laid out the framework for what they want from a potential trade partner to get Davis’ off their hands.
“Griffin is pursuing a combination of assets that include an All-Star player, a young player with All-Star potential and two first-round picks, league sources said. Those wants are on a sliding scale. For example, the better the player, the softer the asks on the draft picks — and vice versa.
That’s certainly a starting place in trade talks, but there remains uncertainty on how many assets teams will be willing to move for Davis, who could leave as a free agent next July.”
The Lakers, Knicks, Nets, Clippers, and Celtics all sit at the top of most people’s lists of potential suitors for Davis, but the star seems to have an even smaller list of teams he wants to take his talents to.
According to Charania, Davis is “focused” on getting himself on either the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers. The report also states that the Celtics are still willing to be aggressive despite the possibility Davis leaves.
“Several teams — including the Celtics — are aggressive about pursuing Davis understanding they would potentially lose him after one season, when he is set to become a free agent. The Celtics want to pursue Davis and believe in their roster with or without Kyrie Irving, league sources said.”
The Pelicans and Lakers have already had one go-round of trade talks that ended in complete disaster, mostly for the Lakers. This time around, the Lakers have a top draft pick they can throw at New Orleans to get Davis to Los Angeles to pair with LeBron.
