News broke early this morning that NBA superstar Anthony Davis will not sign his super max extension with the New Orleans Pelicans and has effectively demanded a trade out of the Crescent city. This has sent shockwaves through NBA fanbases leaving fans like me in need of a xanax or three to keep calm.
Here are some trade scenarios that the Brow could find himself in. Most of these teams have been reported to be interested in Davis. Some of you will love it, some of you will hate it. We are just trying to show you how the deals will work!
1. New York Knicks Trade: 2019 Top 3 Protected 1st rounder and 2020 unprotected 1st rounder, Kristaps Porzingis, and Frank Ntlikina
This is the type of trade you can call a “win-win” for both sides. The Pelicans would be getting possibly two first round picks from one of the worst franchises in the league. These picks could easily turn into franchise cornerstones. Along with the picks you get a young budding star in Porzingis with limitless superstar potential. And Frank Ntlikina offers elite defense with potential to only get better offensively. It would be quite a haul for NOLA.
New York would still have multiple young pieces left to pair with Davis along with the chance at a top 3 player in the 2019 draft due to the protection of the pick traded to NOLA. The Knicks in a best case scenario would still have Knox, Trier, and Robinson to pair with Davis as well as a Zion Williamson or another top prospect if their pick stays in the top 3. Also, they will have massive cap room to bring in another star like Durant, Irving, or Leonard to play along side AD. It is an incredibly intriguing deal for both sides.
2. LA Lakers Trade: Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Ivaca Zubac, and two future 1st round picks.
This has been the grand plan all along for Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. Getting a superstar of Anthony Davis’ caliber was a big sticking point for the Lakers when they signed LeBron last summer. It was honestly sort of implied to LeBron that this is something that would have been done before the season even started.
It is a decent haul for New Orleans even though the Lakers first round picks won’t be as high as a team like the New York Knicks. Lonzo ball still has the makings of an NBA superstar and Brandon Ingram still has a chance as well. Zubac has had sort of a breakout year this year and would be a solid replacement for Davis at center.
Davis and his intentions to resign with LA will be the true reason this deal gets done. We do not know if Davis wants to sign on to play with LeBron James long-term. LeBron is an absolute Legend and arguably the best to ever play the game. But players have reportedly not wanted to join him in LA this year. Whether it is because he is difficult to play with, getting older or players are just intimidated by going up against Golden State, it is a true concern for a Laker fans.
Miami Heat Trade: Hassan Whiteside, Justice Winslow, and 3 future first round picks.
As anybody who follows the NBA knows Miami Heat president Pat Riley is always lurking in the shadows ready to make a major move. And this would be the biggest move he made since he brought the big three into Miami a decade ago. Miami’s roster is the definition of average right now. They have a .500 record with limited young talent. They are currently in a spot that Riley has admitted he hates. Trading for Anthony Davis would be the beginning of a new era in Miami. As Miami Legend Dwyane Wade walks out the door, in walks a twenty-five-year-old superstar named Anthony Davis ready to take on the next decade of Miami basketball. Davis along with the city of Miami itself would attract multiple free agents over the next few years. Effectively putting Miami basketball back on the map.
This trade would not be the best for the Pelicans but they would have to consider it. Considering the amount of first-round picks they would be getting over a six-year span along with a talented Center in Hassan Whiteside, they could do a lot worse.
Anthony Davis has all of the leverage in the situation. Period. New Orleans could be getting the deal of a lifetime from a team like Sacramento or Brooklyn, but if Davis refuses to sign an extension it all falls apart. This is an exciting time to be an NBA fan right now. Especially if you are a fan of the three teams I mentioned. Check back with us four more up-to-date coverage on Anthony Davis.