Rumors surrounding Anthony Davis’ future with the New Orleans Pelicans have been circulating at a high clip over the past week or so.
Davis is still under contract through the 2019-2020 season, but it’s seemingly likely that he’ll be moved before then. While Davis has noted that he’s happy in New Orleans, the possibility of being traded to a larger market has to be in his mind.
It’s in this that both LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have talked openly about wanting to play with the All-Star big man.
Now, according to this report from Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, rival league executives expect Davis to be traded this coming summer.
“The buzz in Las Vegas, where most of the league’s executives gathered over the past few days for the NBA G League Winter Showcase, is that Davis will end up with either the Boston Celtics or Lakers before the 2019-20 season,” the NBA insider reported.
Both the Celtics and Lakers have been bandied about as leaders in the clubhouse for Davis. Meanwhile, rumors have persisted in the past that the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors could land one of the game’s best big men.
The issue in New Orleans outside of its smallish market is the inability of the team to contend in the Western Conference. Should that continue throughout the remainder of the season, there’s a darn good chance Davis will be dealt. If so, Boston and Los Angeles boast the assets to make a trade work.
Davis, 25, is averaging 28.1 points, 12.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season. Needless to say, any trade involving Davis would be among the biggest blockbusters in recent Association history.