5 logical trade destinations for Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans. With the cat officially out of the bag, creative juices around the NBA are flowing about potential landing spots.
To the trade machine!
Los Angeles Lakers
Potential trade pieces: Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac, draft picks
Why it would work: Davis joins LeBron James in Hollywood and alters the balance of power in the Western Conference.
It was reported Monday that the Pelicans want a deal with the Lakers to start with Ball, Kuzma, Zubac, and a first-rounder. If New Orleans is serious about trading Davis before the Feb. 7 deadline, the Lakers could work as a partner given their current multitude of one-year contracts.
As such, it would actually be easier for the Lakers to acquire Davis now than in the offseason. Adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's expiring contract to the reported trade structure as a salary-filler could make it work.
Why it wouldn't work: The Pelicans are under no obligation to trade Davis now. If they feel the Celtics can offer them a better package in the summer, they can wait.
Boston Celtics
Potential trade pieces: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, draft picks
Why it would work: The Celtics' stockpiling of assets in recent years was theoretically designed for this very day: when they could put together a significant trade package for a superstar.
Why it wouldn't work: Boston can't make a deal for Davis before July 1 because the NBA prohibits a team having two Rose Rule contracts on its roster at once. Kyrie Irving is currently on the same type of deal as Davis, although he's expected to opt out and sign a new contract in the summer.
There is also no guarantee Davis would commit to Boston beyond his existing deal, which he can opt out of after next season.
Philadelphia 76ers
Potential trade pieces: Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, Wilson Chandler, draft picks
Why it would work: The 76ers aren't a perfect construct at the moment, and they could decide there's only one ball for Jimmy Butler and Simmons to handle. A front line of Davis and Joel Embiid would be breathtaking.
Why it wouldn't work: The Sixers would be fully committing to Butler over the younger Simmons, even though Butler could still leave as a free agent this summer. For his part, Simmons didn't really enjoy his last stay in Louisiana.
New York Knicks
Potential trade pieces: Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, first-round draft pick, Enes Kanter
Why it would work: If there's a superstar on the market, the Knicks generally want to throw their hat into the ring; they will "try to be aggressive" in their pursuit of Davis, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday.
Why it wouldn't work: The Pelicans would almost assuredly demand an unprotected lottery pick this summer, meaning the Knicks would likely have to decide if they wanted to punt on the chance of drafting a player like Zion Williamson or R.J. Barrett.
Miami Heat
Potential trade pieces: Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, Bam Adebayo
Why it would work: Heat president Pat Riley has pulled off tricky deals before, and Miami remains a free-agent destination thanks to lifestyle factors and the absence of a state income tax.
Why it wouldn't work: The Heat wouldn't have the cap space to attract potential co-stars for Davis until 2020, potentially impacting his desire to play for them.