A season ago, the New Orleans Pelicans had one of the league’s best frontcourt with DeMarcus Cousins, Nikola Mirotic and Anthony Davis. The trio combined for per game averages of 67.9 points, 32.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 5.2 blocks and 4 steals. Their efforts brought them to 6th place in the Western Conference (48-34) at season’s end and joined the playoffs, sweeping the Portland Trailblazers in the first round and then losing to GSW in five games in the semis.
This season, DMC went to the Warriors, Mirotic is injured and as per latest reports, Davis won’t be signing a 5-year, $240 million supermax contract extension with the Pels and would like to be traded. Probably at the trading deadline on February 8 PH time or the end of the season, New Orleans will be saying bye-bye to the Brow. From two talented big men to zero.
As per AD’s agent Rich Paul, his client “wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.” The Pels are currently 22-28 and sits at 13th in the WC. The consistency of winning has gotten remote in New Orleans. Paul further added that AD “wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now.”
The public announcement had cost Davis $50k in fines for “violating a collectively-bargained rule prohibiting players on their representatives from making public trade demands.” As if the amount can really put a dent on what AD earns.
Since December, we’ve always heard of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics as potential AD destinations but reportedly, Davis is not interested to be dressed in green. It was also reported that New York is aggressively pursuing The Brow and they are preparing trade packages to acquire him. The Knicks plain and simple, suck, and with a 10-38 record, are good for the league’s second worst team. It would be fun to see Kristaps Porzingis and Davis playing together but it’s more of a fantasy basketball than reality ball. Remember, Davis was specific and wants to go to a winning team and the Knicks are a whipping team. Now Toronto and Milwaukee are in the mix.
The Lakers could be it as AD and LeBron James share the same agent. But getting him would be letting go with at least three of their young core. According to LA Times, the package that the Lakers will offer “would have to start with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and a first round draft pick.” Strong emphasis on the “have to start with” on this one. They can add Brandon Ingram and Kentavious-Caldwell Pope to sweeten the deal if they’re really intent on getting AD. LA will then free up at least $35 million in salaries. Then what they have left would be some aging veterans with one-year deals and inexperienced players. But again, Davis gets reunited with Rajon Rondo.
As reported, Lonzo would like a third team to be involved if he is to be traded. He wants to be the starting point guard on his future team. With the Pels, he has to compete with Elfrid Payton and Jrue Holliday for minutes and both guards are doing well. But if New Orleans is clear on their “have to start with”, ergo, they want Ball to start over Payton. Zubac of late is playing well (scoring, rebounding, blocking shots) and has taken over JaVale McGee’s starting spot. I would hate to see Big Zu go.
Reports also say that Davis wanted to leave New Orleans because ownership is more focused on football. Gayle Benson owns both the Pelicans and the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. Pelicans EVP Mickey Loomis was hired in 2013 and spent his entire career with the NFL. He holds high executive positions on both teams and considering his background, basketball gets secondary treatment. As to Benson, there’s no effort to keep AD. “I really like Anthony, but if he wants to leave, I can’t hold him back”, she said.
Some questions. If Davis eventually wears the purple and gold, will he be comfortable and blend well with their 154 million dollar man? Since it was reported that LeBron’s camp want a coaching change, are Luke Walton’s days numbered? Considering the stories and controversies surrounding him prior to becoming a Laker, is LeBron James really the king of the NBA? Just asking./PN
