There have been rumblings that Anthony Davis wants to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and will not agree to sign a long-term extension if he is traded to any other team, but it does not sound like that would be enough to deter Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge.
Ainge was asked about Davis’ trade request in an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich Show” on Thursday, and he said there are situations where he would trade for a player as a rental in an attempt to win a championship. It’s safe to assume Davis is one of those players.
Danny Ainge on 98.5 The Sports Hub was asked "Would you trade for a guy for one year to try and win a title?"
"Yes. But it depends on the situation. It depends on the player and the circumstances and the package. We've had a chance and done it and had a chance and not done it."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 31, 2019
According to one report, Davis is hesitant about a trade to Boston because there is growing skepticism over whether Kyrie Irving will re-sign with the team this summer. Irving said earlier this season that he intends to sign an extension, and Ainge said Thursday that he has not been given any indication the star point guard changed his mind.
Q: "There have been reports Kyrie Irving is having second thoughts about re-signing with Boston. Have you talked to him lately?"
Ainge: "I talk to him all the time. I think he likes it in Boston. I can't talk about specifics. That's taboo. But I'm optimistic."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 31, 2019
Ainge also noted how Kevin Garnett initially did not want to be traded to the Celtics in 2007, but he later changed his mind after Boston landed Ray Allen in a separate deal. Davis’ agent said the star big man wants to go some place where he can contend for a title, and the Celtics would certainly give him that opportunity if Irving sticks around.
While there has been some surprising talk about Irving wanting to reunite with a former teammate, it would be a surprise if he and Davis didn’t want to play together. If the Pelicans are interested in trading Davis to the Celtics after the season, Irving will likely play a big role in whether or not Davis is open to the deal.
