“As the NBA trade deadline looms within a week, the Lakers' immediate pursuit of All-Star forward Anthony Davis is fraught with innumerable obstacles -- including the fact that Pelicans general manager Dell Demps has yet to return a call to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, league sources told ESPN.
The sluggish response time is perhaps a message that New Orleans places some responsibility onto the Lakers for Davis' trade request, or perhaps an indication to Davis and his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports that the franchise doesn't plan to easily acquiesce on a trade request to partner with LeBron James.
As of now, the Pelicans see no reason to deliver Davis to the Lakers in a deal with a full season left on his contract -- never mind do it on a timeline that benefits mostly the objectives of Los Angeles and Davis.”
“New Orleans officials are prepared to play the long game on Davis' future, embarking on an uncomfortable, if not combative process that could extend months beyond next Thursday's trade deadline.”
From Paul George to Leonard to Davis, the Lakers front office is growing accustomed to icy receptions from teams enduring All-Star trade demands with a full year left on their contracts.
When Spurs GM RC Buford finally called back Pelinka after Leonard's springtime trade request, the Lakers were left with an unmistakable impression: Buford and Gregg Popovich would never send Leonard to Los Angeles -- no matter what the Lakers offered. The Spurs always denied any absolute "no Lakers" stance, arguing the Lakers' package never captivated them.”
“Teams interested in trading for Davis -- including the Boston Celtics -- are in full fact-finding mode and the intel coming back is this, sources tell ESPN: Davis' plan is to treat any trade destination as a one-year stop -- except, of course, the Lakers. Teams are learning that Davis' stated intention will be to play the season elsewhere if traded outside of the Lakers, but move to the Lakers as a free agent in 2020.”
The stance of Davis and his camp toward Boston is linked to their view of Kyrie Irving's future, sources said. Davis and his camp no longer believe that Irving is a sure bet to re-sign with the Celtics this summer, and that's the primary reason they insist on clumping Boston with a similar message to the 28 other teams: Buyer beware on a trade for Davis.”
Boston is remaining outwardly fearless in its pursuit of Davis, with word delivered to New Orleans: Hold onto Davis past the trade deadline, get into the offseason and we're armed to give you the best possible return on this generational talent. Boston remains confident in Irving re-signing, even if they don't acquire Davis before free agency. (AHEM TO 90% OF THIS BOARD) But whatever happens between now and then, whatever issues might threaten to topple Irving's preseason commitment to an extension, the Celtics believe the acquisition of Davis will soothe them all. Boston believes this: Getting Davis probably clinches an Irving commitment.”
“For now, the Celtics are unconvinced that Davis would be willing to walk out on a championship core with Boston for the Lakers. Boston's done a tremendous amount of research on Davis, especially intense in the past 18 months, league sources said.”
“The Pelicans are aware the Celtics are preparing a massive offer for Davis if he remains on their roster past the trade deadline.”
The most pressing question for Boston is whether they could acquire Davis without including Jayson Tatum in the deal. If the Celtics get the chance, Boston will be able to offer any or all of: Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier (though Rozier would have to agree to a sign-and-trade, raising thorny cap complications), their own first-round picks, Sacramento's first-round pick, a Memphis future first-round pick (top-eight protected this season, top-six protected in 2020, and unprotected in 2021) and a lottery-protected LA Clippers first-rounder that converts to a 2022 second-round pick if the Clippers miss the playoffs both this season and next.
Above all else, Boston wants to keep Tatum. Going forward with a Big Three of Irving-Davis-Tatum -- and filling in the gaps around them as needed -- is probably their ideal scenario. If Boston feels it is necessary to hold off any Lakers coup, they can tell the Pelicans they will likely include Tatum in Davis trade talks in July.”
As long as ominous backchannel warnings don't give Ainge pause, the Celtics believe they could convince Davis to stay long-term, clinching Irving's future in New England.
Still, there are scenarios that concern Boston. For instance, the Celtics could disappoint in the postseason. The Knicks could win the draft lottery, and enter the offseason with the one trade asset that tops Tatum: the NBA draft's No. 1 pick, and the chance to select Duke's Zion Williamson.
If that isn't enough, the Knicks could add Kevin Knox to their offer and hope that acquiring Davis would entice a second star free agent to join him. Irving would be on their short list of such players, and the Knicks armed with Davis and enough cap room for Irving, stand as one the only Irving threats that would unnerve Boston.”
“New York will be unlikely to include Kristaps Porzingis in any Davis trade package once the trade deadline passes."
