Anthony Davis Rumors: How Much Money Will NBA Star Lose If Traded? Lakers' Deal Would Cost AD Millions

LeBron James Anthony Davis — LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers guards Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a 112-104 Laker win at Staples Center on December 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images

Anthony Davis’ trade request to the New Orleans Pelicans comes at a price. By asking to be dealt, the 25-year-old is also giving up millions of dollars.

The Pelicans can offer Davis a five-year, $240 million extension in the summer, and you can bet New Orleans would spend that money if it meant keeping their best player. If Davis gets dealt at any point before the start of the 2020-2021 season, the team that acquires him can only offer him a five-year contract worth $205 million.

Davis is set to make just north of $27 million for the 2019-2020 season. He’s got an option worth $28.75 million for the next season, though he’s expected to opt out and sign a more lucrative deal as a free agent.

Now that Davis’ agent has publicly announced he won’t re-sign with the Pelicans, it feels like a near certainty that he will be traded. It’s just unknown when and with what team a deal will happen.

The Los Angeles Lakers are considered to be the frontrunners to land Davis if he’s moved by this season’s trade deadline. If the Pelicans hold onto Davis until the summer, the Boston Celtics would probably be able to offer New Orleans the best package. Both L.A. and Boston would allow Davis to compete for championships within the next few seasons, making it likely that he would sign a long-term deal.

Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019

But what if someone else acquires Davis? It’s certainly possible that another team will take a chance and trade for the NBA’s best big man.

If Davis gets traded and still decides to go elsewhere as a free agent in 2020, he’ll be leaving even more money on the table to do so. Davis can only sign a four-year, $152 million contract by leaving his 2019-2020 team for another franchise in 2020 free agency.

Davis is turning down at least $35 million by asking for a trade. A deal that sends him to a destination he doesn’t enjoy could cost him $88 million in guaranteed money.

Davis wasn’t named an All-Star starter, but he’s expected to make the team for a sixth straight year. He’s averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 blocks per game this season.

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