NBA Rumors: Pelicans Move On From Davis, Focus On Holiday

The New Orleans Pelicans have finally accepted the fact that keeping Anthony Davis around is close to futile. The team is already entertaining offers from different teams, something that is expected to plague NBA headlines for the next couple of weeks. That said, team executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin needs to move on if the Pels are to be competitive next season. And it looks like the focus has now shifted to Jrue Holiday.

Ironically, it wasn't too long ago that Holiday's name was mentioned in NBA trade rumors. The 29-year-old, together with Davis, were previously seen as the new foundation of the franchise before the latter requested for a trade early in the year. And while Griffin and company stand to lose a certified NBA All-Star center, some consolation could be headed their way in the form of rookie sensation Zion Williamson. New Orleans owns the rights to the top pick for the coming 2019 NBA Draft and the consensus is that they will use that on the former Duke Blue Devil, Real GM reported.

For reference purposes, Holiday re-signed with the Pelicans back in 2017. He agreed to a five-year deal worth $125 million, something he did because of Davis. But with the top pick of the 2012 NBA Draft now headed out the door, Holiday may have to move forward as the new leader of the team and work it out with someone else. That new face is Williamson, someone who has garnered hype the past couple of month.

Aside from Holiday and Williamson, more help is expected especially once Davis finally gets traded. The Pelicans know they have options and it all depends on what offer best suits the team's outlook. According to ESPN, Griffin is looking for a combination of assets that include - an All-Star player, a young player with All-Star potential and two first-round picks. With those requirements on the table, it will be up to teams to try and see what they can whip up.

Among the teams expected to pitch to the Pelicans are the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks. The Milwaukee Bucks could also enter the fray as well. But if one is to dissect the players Griffin and the Pels are looking for, only the Celtics and the Bucks may have the assets to offer coming to close to their demands. But then again, this does not mean the Lakers and the Knicks are out of it. It all depends who can provide the needed help to the new faces of the franchise - Holiday and Williamson.