NBA: 4 potential trade packages for Anthony Davis
By Nick Crain
Anthony Davis still wants to be traded away from the New Orleans Pelicans this summer. Let’s look at some potential trade packages for the NBA All-Star.
Even with the opportunity to sign a five-year, $240 million super-max extension this summer with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis has made it clear he wants to play elsewhere. Under contract through 2019-20 with a player option in the 2020-21 season, Davis formally requested a trade from New Orleans on Jan. 28, wanting to play for a team that has the chance to win a championship.
Despite only having a six percent chance, New Orleans was lucky enough to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. This gives them the opportunity to draft one of the most exciting draft prospects in recent history in Zion Williamson.
Many thought this could change Davis’ mind on requesting a trade, as Williamson has the expectations to make an immediate impact at the NBA level. Shortly after the 2019 NBA Draft order was announced, that idea was shot down, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the first overall pick does not change his stance on wanting out of New Orleans.
The New Orleans Pelicans are now set up to be Zion Williamson’s franchise to lift, and No. 1 pick could ease potential trade of Anthony Davis. His stance on a trade has not changed, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 15, 2019
The bidding war for Anthony Davis this summer should be very entertaining. A player of his caliber is rarely available for trade in the NBA. Last season for the Pelicans, Davis produced 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
At only 26 years old, the team who pulls him away from New Orleans will have the chance to re-sign him through the majority of his prime. This does come at a risk, as Davis still has the option to test free agency after next summer if he chooses. Whoever trades for him will have to make enough of a good impression to keep him beyond that.
Even with Davis being a potential rental, he is the kind of player that can push any contender over the hump and make them a championship favorite. With three All-NBA selections and six NBA All-Star appearances, the New Orleans Pelicans will have the leverage to acquire extremely impactful players and draft picks in return for Davis. After seeing what teams offered for him at the 2018-19 NBA Trade Deadline, the offers this summer could be mind-blowing.
Let’s look at four potential trade packages that could have Anthony Davis playing for a contender next season.
Honorable Mentions: New York Knicks (would have to wait until after the draft to have enough salary to send New Orleans’ way), Los Angeles Clippers (not being able to trade Landry Shamet in conjunction with another player damages their potential trade package)