One way players can try to control where they are traded is by refusing to sign an extension with a team they would prefer not to play for, but that approach may not work for Anthony Davis.
Davis, who is set to become a free agent after next season, informed the New Orleans Pelicans this week that he wants to be traded and is not going to re-sign with them. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, several teams are interested in him even if it is only to chase a championship this season and/or next. Sources from those teams told Wojnarowski that they would be open to trading for Davis to make a run at a title and then either recouping assets by dealing him this summer or keeping him until he becomes a free agent in 2020.
While most teams would prefer to sign Davis long-term, he’s the type of once-in-a-generation player that you might take a chance on even if he says he is not willing to sign an extension. The reward would be the potential of winning a championship, and accomplishing that goal might influence whether or not Davis wants to stick around.
The Los Angeles Lakers seem like the most obvious suitor for Davis at the moment, and the belief seems to be that he would be willing to sign with them long-term to chase titles alongside LeBron James. The Boston Celtics may have the best package of draft picks and players to offer, but they cannot acquire Davis until after the season when Kyrie Irving signs a new deal.
Davis’ agent says the five-time All-Star has not given the Pelicans a preferred trade destination, but there have been reports that he has a wish list of four teams. New Orleans might decide to wait until after the season rather than moving Davis before the Feb. 7 trade deadline, as the Celtics’ involvement could be the key to driving up the price.
