Brooklyn Nets: 3 steps to the perfect 2019 offseason
Step 2: Trade for Anthony Davis (and extend him)
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski outlined what David Griffin, the New Orleans Pelicans vice president of basketball operations, is looking to get back in potential Anthony Davis trade. The Pelicans are seeking an All-Star player, a young player with All-Star potential and two first round picks.
Very few teams can meet these requirements, but with the inclusion of D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade, the Brooklyn Nets could make it happen. Brooklyn would have to give up Russell, it lone All-Star, plus one of Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen, in addition to a couple of future picks.
Richard Jefferson on ESPN’s The Jump (at the 2:35 mark in the video below) explained how D-Lo makes the Nets and Pelicans the best natural partners in the AD sweepstakes:
Losing Russell along with either LeVert or Allen would be tough, but none of those players is in the same stratosphere as Davis, and Russell isn’t a guarantee to return anyway.
The tricky part of this trade would be the future picks, since Brooklyn does not own its first-rounder in 2020 due to the Taurean Prince trade. However, even if the Nets have to give up an unprotected pick in 2022, it’s well worth it.
Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated that AD will not agree to a new contract before the 2020 offseason, but since this is a dream scenario, we can assume Davis agrees to an extension with the Brooklyn Nets.
Honestly, it would be the smart move on his part if it means he gets to team up with Kawhi Leonard for the next four seasons. Plus, we’ve seen the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and Isaiah Thomas all get injured in contract years, making guaranteed money more important than ever.
The combination of the Klaw and the Brow would give Brooklyn the best two-way wing and best two-way big in the game. This inside-out combination would be the envy of all other 29 franchises.
Furthermore, Davis is just 26 years old and only beginning to enter his prime, meaning the best would still be to come in Brooklyn.