Lakers and Celtics Reportedly Have Re-Engaged in Anthony Davis Trade Talks With Pelicans
By Ryan Flores
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are wasting no time.
On Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that both the Celtics and Lakers are actively engaged in trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for NBA superstar Anthony Davis.
Celtics and Lakers are engaged in trade talks with New Orleans on All-NBA star Anthony Davis, league sources tell me, @ZachLowe_NBA, @ramonashelburne and @WindhorstESPN. Lakers No. 4 pick has been discussed as trade chip to help Pels acquire high-level player in multi-team deals.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2019
This news comes as no surprise to Celtics fans, as GM Danny Ainge has been attempting to trade for Davis for some time now. The Celtics have an incredible number of assets that they can put into a trade, including young budding stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They also have a plethora of draft picks, including three in this year's NBA Draft.
However, as has always been the case, it's doubtful (being generous) that Davis would sign long-term in Boston.
Important timing tweet. #Celtics https://t.co/73bS1PxJek
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) June 12, 2019
Davis' agent Rich Paul reiterated on Wednesday morning that Davis will not commit to Boston if they wind up trading for him, but that hasn't seemed to deter Ainge.
So far, Boston has been undeterred in pursuing Davis -- despite his agent insisting AD would be a 2020 flight risk in free agency. For Boston, Davis could still be its best case to keep Kyrie Irving. Story soon on https://t.co/XcwLHcsHad https://t.co/C9NwYJiObX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2019
On the other hand, the Lakers will get a second chance at trading for Davis after famously putting pretty much the entire team on the trade block in an effort to entice the Pelicans back before 2019's deadline. Taking into account the debacle that occurred between the Pelicans and Lakers at that point in time, one would have to wonder whether New Orleans is inclined to strike a deal with Los Angeles. For now, all trade talks between Pelinka and Pels GM David Griffin have remained private, with the two sides remaining in constant contact.
I’m told that Rob Pelinka has stressed to Pels GM David Griffin that trade talks pertaining to AD are to remain private, without leaks to public, this time around. Pelinka/Griffin have been in constant communication over the past 48 hrs. It is clear that talks are escalating.
— Arye Abraham (@arye_abraham) June 12, 2019
As of right now, it seems as though Davis is more inclined to commit to the Lakers than the Celtics, but you never know. Just as Paul George was convinced to stay in Oklahoma City after a trade from the Indiana Pacers, Davis could be swayed to stay in Boston if they wind up pulling off a deal, especially if they can keep Kyrie Irving in free agency.