https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/18/its-no-surprise-that-anthony-davis-is-considering-sticking-with-nop/
It's no surprise Anthony Davis is considering sticking with NOP
Though the NBA Playoffs are in full swing, the New Orleans Pelicans' hiring of a well-respected front office executive in David Griffin has reignited the trade conversation surrounding Pelicans All-Star center Anthony Davis.
At his introductory press conference, Griffin spoke confidently about being able to convince Davis to stay in New Orleans, with Davis considering committing to the Pelicans under Griffin. Griffin's relationship with Davis' agent Rich Paul is of tremendous benefit to that agenda.
Paul also represents Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, a player who was quite fond of Griffin during their days with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Griffin's moves in Cleveland helped propel the Cavs to three consecutive championships in his tenure, just as much as James' presence made Cleveland an instant championship contender.
That said, those surprised that Davis would consider staying with the Pelicans, or that Griffin would lean towards keeping Davis in New Orleans, don't be.
Davis, who requested a trade from New Orleans in February, became disgruntled over the years with the Pelicans' lack of postseason success and his desire to win a championship — as the great players do — has him daydreaming of playing for franchises more equipped to help him reach his dreams.
Frankly, had former Pelicans general manager Dell Demps not been holding a grudge against the Los Angeles Lakers for being (what was perceived to be) Davis' top trade destination, The Brow might already be donning purple and gold.
The Lakers offered a highly competitive trade package that included two first-round picks: Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram. Most general managers seem like they would have struck a deal with former Lakers president Magic Johnson had they been offered two highly-valued draft assets and two potential franchise cornerstones for a disgruntled star looking to change teams.
However, the Pelicans were also swayed by Boston Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge to wait until the offseason for a Celtics' package that could include at least three first-round picks in the upcoming draft and rising star Jayson Tatum.
Danny Ainge has encouraged the Pelicans to wait until the offseason to negotiate with the Celtics. Boston remains determined to try and partner Anthony Davis with Kyrie Irving for long-term, but plans to pursue AD regardless of Irving's free agency plans, per sources. https://t.co/Ft8rfe9EBZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2019
Nonetheless, should Griffin be able to build a team around Davis that looks as if it can be a bonafide championship-contender then Davis will stay.
Looking at recent history, it would seem as if what the Pelicans need is another superstar or perennial All-Star to put beside Davis and Jrue Holiday, like they did when they had DeMarcus Cousins. A free agent market thin with top-tier talent and the uncertainty of Davis' future would make signing that caliber of player difficult but armed with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Griffin may very well strike a draft-day deal that provides Davis with the help he needs.
Alternately, the pick could be used on a young stud rookie, especially should a highly-coveted prospect drop during the draft.
After watching how the team he formerly headed in Cleveland fall apart after trading away superstar Kyrie Irving, Griffin could be looking at Davis and considering the possibility that no trade package will provide equal value for what they'd lose in AD. Such was the case with the Cavs when they traded Irving for a package that was headlined by (an injured) Isaiah Thomas.
The Pelicans don't have to trade Davis until the 2020 trade deadline if they want to try to convince him to stay and get something in return for him should he choose to walk away in free agency. Such a scenario shouldn't depreciate his value given that he's only 25 years old and arguably the best big man in the NBA; barring an unforeseen injury, any team would want him and surrender a hefty sum to acquire his services.
Griffin's hire was never going to be the best of news for Boston but not because he has any biases against the Celtics. Quite the contrary, actually, as he and Ainge previously worked together with the Phoenix Suns. Hiring Griffin wasn't good for the Celtics because he's the type of front office executive that will do everything possible to make his own team a championship-contender, even if it means holding onto a highly coveted center like Davis.