Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis Trade Might Only Be Matter Of Time, Knicks Can't Match Pelicans' Price

The Los Angeles Lakers failed in their pursuit of Anthony Davis during the season, but it might only be a matter of time before they complete a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. L.A. is considered to be the overwhelming favorite to land the superstar, who is expected to be dealt sometime in the near future.

One week ago, The Athletic reported that New Orleans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin had begun listening to trade offers. The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics have also been named as the top suitors for Davis.

It’s starting to appear more and more unlikely that Davis will end up with any of those destinations.

Davis’ insistence that he would only re-sign with the Lakers or Knicks when he becomes a free agent in 2020 has made the two destinations the most likely trade partners for the Pelicans. Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, acknowledged in an interview with Sports Illustrated that his client preferred not to play anywhere else.

“The only difference is, they don’t have as many championships as the Lakers,” Paul said of the Knicks to SI. “They got a tradition. It’s a big market—not that it’s only big markets. They have cap space, flexibility, they’re able to absorb more than one star. What’s wrong with that?”

“Where he’s going to land? I have no idea,” Paul said. “And it don’t matter. We’re going into free agency. Why does it matter to me where he goes? Earth: We’re going into free agency. He has a year, he has to play. But after that, I can’t say it no bigger: WE ARE GOING INTO FREE AGENCY. 2020: ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE IN FREE AGENCY.”

The Celtics can probably put together the most alluring trade package for Davis, but they are unlikely to risk giving up assets like Jayson Tatum and first-round draft picks for a one-year rental. Boston once hoped that Davis would change his mind about playing with the Celtics if Kyrie Irving were his teammate, but the point guard is likely headed elsewhere in free agency.

The Nets will have a hard time matching the Lakers’ offer since they just traded two first-round picks to the Atlanta Hawks in order to clear salary cap space. Brooklyn is probably going to sign Irving and potentially another star free agent this summer.

The Clippers have tons of cap space, as well, and are hoping to build a contender through free agency without giving up their top assets. If Kawhi Leonard doesn’t stay with the Toronto Raptors, he’s expected to sign with Los Angeles.

The Knicks are the biggest obstacle for the Lakers in trying to get Davis. New York’s pursuit of the big man has lost steam in recent days. Not only are there reports that the Pelicans aren’t high on the Knicks’ young players, but New York is also reportedly wary of giving away all their pieces for one player.

That hesitancy to make a trade has likely grown since Kevin Durant injured his Achilles. New York hoped to pair Durant and Davis together for the 2019-2020 season. That seems virtually impossible now that the Golden State Warriors’ star could miss all of next year as he rehabs from a potentially career-altering injury.

It’s been well-documented that the Pelicans don’t want to do Davis and the Lakers any favors. If New Orleans wants to get the best return possible, they might just have to send the star to his preferred destination.