Anthony Davis Trade Rumors: Pelicans Coach Open To Accepting Lakers' Offer

The New Orleans Pelicans may have brought in David Griffin as their new general manager and even landed the No.1 pick for the 2019 NBA Draft but that has not convinced Anthony Davis to rescind his trade request and commit his long-term future to the franchise. The power forward is keen to leave in the summer but the Pelicans will have the final say on his next destination.

Davis put in a trade request through his agent earlier this year and is keen to join a team that will help him challenge for NBA championships. The Los Angeles Lakers made a serious attempt to sign the forward before February’s trade deadline but all their offers were rejected by the New Orleans franchise.

The Lakers offered five players that included their young core of Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram along with a number of future draft picks. It was turned down by then-general manager Dell Demps, who was fired soon after the trade deadline passed.

But according to Chris Broussard, who spoke with Colin Cowherd on Fs1’s “The Herd”, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry likes the idea of pairing the Lakers young core of Kuzma, Ingram and Ball with Pelicans shooting guard Jrue Holiday and Zion Williamson, who they are almost certain to pick with their No.1 pick at the draft on June 20.

“Alvin Gentry likes the Lakers players. He loves the idea of Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Zion, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram offensively and defensively,” Broussard said.

However, Pelicans owner Gayle Benson is said to be against doing any business with the Lakers even if they have one of the best offers on the table. The Lakers can now add the No.4 pick in the 2019 draft along with the young core, which arguably makes it one of the best possible offers.

Broussard also mentioned the Brooklyn Nets as potential candidate with the NBA insider claiming they are ready to go in hard for Davis and their dream is said to be pairing the power forward with Boston Celtics’ Kyrie Irving, who will be a free agent later in July.

The Celtics, themselves, are expected to make a strong play for Davis and ever since the Lakers failed with their trade deal in February, the Boston franchise has been installed as the favorites. They have three picks to offer in this year’s draft – No.14, 20 and 22 – and have one of the most talented young rosters in the NBA at the moment.

Davis is almost certain to leave despite Griffin stating on more than one occasion that the Pelicans will try to convince him to stay with the team as they enter a new era. But if not the team will take a decision keeping their interests in mind and offer the forward to whichever team gives them the best assets.