The New Orleans Pelicans crossroads with Anthony Davis may be approaching sooner than expected. At least one sourced report has Davis possibly demanding a trade this season.
Chris Sheridan of Get More Sports is reporting that Anthony Davis has already decided on the five teams he will consider going forward. Most New Orleans Pelicans fans and Dell Demps expected trade rumors from everyone in Boston and Los Angeles. Some one going on record with ‘sources’ claiming Davis could request a trade in under 100 days is a development a year ahead of schedule.
The Pelicans are of course in the running. Demps, Gentry, and the Benson’s have done everything to try to build a winning culture. The Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are the other lucky teams that have caught the eye of Anthony Davis, reportedly. All but the Knicks are contenders this year.
If it is true Davis would request a trade if he does not see progress in New Orleans, that could actually benefit the Pelicans, only in that more years on the contract means a higher asking price.
If true, though, it is crushing that Davis would want to give up on Jrue Holiday and Co. with years remaining on his contract. Knowing this early in The Pelicans Process that he wants out instead of the largest contract ever would be a crushing blow to all the efforts put in to make the team a destination spot.
But what is Davis looking for, both this season and three seasons from now?
Davis will be the best player on the floor every night no matter where he goes. Davis is still a season or two from his prime, while LeBron James would be a couple of years past his.
Having the best player on the floor increases a team”s chances of winning, but is not everything. The Pelicans have perhaps the best 7-8 player rotation since Davis joined the team. Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, and Elfrid Payton showed faith in Davis by coming or committing to the Pelicans long-term. Davis must give the team a full season, if not more.
However, if Davis forces his way out with years remaining and the New Orleans Pelicans a legit playoff team, the haul should be the greatest trade haul of the last 20 years. If not, Demps has to be relieved of his duties. This would require more than one trade partner most likely, unless Demps raids the top 4 talents and 3 best draft picks of the Lakers, Celtics, or 76ers.