The New Orleans Pelicans face a Thursday deadline. Said deadline includes a decision regarding the status of All-Star big man Anthony Davis, who requested a trade from the organization last week.
While the Pelicans will likely have to deal him before the start of the 2019-20 campaign, some within the organization are pushing back against the idea that they need to deal AD before this week’s trade deadline.
“The New Orleans Pelicans are engaging with the Los Angeles Lakers in talks on a trade for All-NBA star Anthony Davis, but president Magic Johnson must still overcome significant support within the Pelicans organization to let Thursday’s deadline expire with Davis remaining on the roster,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday.
It makes sense for some to conclude that the Pelicans should wait until the summer to move Davis. Why rush into a deal that might not be as good as the offers you receive during the offseason?
On the other hand, it’s rather clear that the relationship between Davis and New Orleans can’t be repaired. Moving him prior to the deadline would end the drama on the spot.
The Los Angeles Lakers are said to be offering up Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, cap fillers and two first-round picks for Davis. This might ultimately be the best deal GM Dell Demps and the Pelicans receive.
If there is a split within the Pelicans’ organization, that makes it less likely Davis will in fact be moved ahead of the deadline. That’s magnified by another aspect of Woj’s report.
“For now, anyway, the Lakers pursuit has several factors working against it. As the Lakers elevate their offer, including more top young players and even more draft picks into the offer, they’ll keep closing the gap. Until then, New Orleans is curious about whether the Celtics might include young star Jayson Tatum into an offseason trade along with a package of first-round picks, sources said,” the insider noted.
Remember, Davis and his camp have pushed back against the idea that they’ll sign a long-term deal with Boston. It’s possible that New Orleans waits until the offseason to see if anything changes in that regard.