The Celtics may be able to assemble the best trade package for Anthony Davis, but all indications are that the New Orleans Pelicans star would prefer not to end up in Boston.
Davis appears to be angling for a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Shams Charania reported on Friday that the five-time All-Star continues to view the Celtics as a “rental option.”
Sources @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: The Boston Celtics aren't a preferred destination long-term for New Orleans star Anthony Davis, and in Davis’ mind, remain a rental option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2019
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported earlier in the week that Davis does not consider Boston a top destination because there is growing uncertainty over whether Kyrie Irving will re-sign with the team this summer. Irving said before the season that he is going to remain with the Celtics, but some comments he made on Friday indicated he could change his mind.
If Irving was already committed to re-signing with the Celtics at one point, it would stand to reason that he would be even more comfortable with that decision if Boston added a perennial MVP candidate. Perhaps Davis has no interest in signing a long-term deal with the Celtics regardless of Irving’s plans.
