Lakers Trade Rumors: Celtics Hesitant To ‘Overwhelm’ Pelicans With Offer For Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis, Lakers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2019 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers are attempting to trade for Anthony Davis again from the New Orleans Pelicans nearly five months later.

While the New York Knicks are the second team on Davis’ long-term trade destinations list, some within their organization reportedly are ‘uncomfortable’ trading away ‘significant’ assets for the 26-year-old. As a result, it appears the Lakers have all of the leverage this time around.

However, despite Kyrie Irving reportedly not expected to re-sign with them for the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, the Boston Celtics are still attempting to trade for Davis as well.

This comes after Klutch Sports agent Rich Paul confirmed that he informed the Celtics his client would not re-sign with them, according to S.L. Price of Sports Illustrated:

“They can trade for him, but it’ll be for one year. I mean: If the Celtics traded for Anthony Davis, we would go there and we would abide by our contractual [obligations] and we would go into free agency in 2020. I’ve stated that to them. But in the event that he decides to walk away and you give away assets? Don’t blame Rich Paul.”

As the Celtics may risk it all for a one-year rental, it appears they are hesitant to ‘overwhelm’ the Pelicans with an offer, according to Adam Himmelsbach of Boston Globe:

It is widely known that the Celtics have the shiniest collection of assets for a potential Davis deal, but there are questions about how far they would open their treasure chest. One league source said the uncertainty surrounding Davis’s long-term future in Boston has thus far limited the Celtics’ willingness to overwhelm New Orleans with an offer.

While president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has earned high praise for rebuilding the Celtics, a Davis trade could quickly make all that disappear in just one season.

As the Pelicans are trying to gain some leverage, the Lakers are in a good position regardless. Armed with the No. 4 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and a max contract slot, there are numerous options to significantly improve the roster.

Although there is no timeline, it would make sense for the Pelicans to trade Davis leading up to June 20.

You May Also Like

Lakers Free Agency Rumors: Jimmy Butler Expected To Receive Max Contract Offer From 76ers

As the Los Angeles Lakers have started 2019 NBA pre-draft workouts, all of the attention remains on free agency in search…

NBA Rumors: Executive Believes Lakers ‘Might Have Helped’ Cavaliers’ Efforts To Re-Sign LeBron In Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers completed one of the biggest deals at the trade deadline this season…

Lakers Rumors: Team Expected To Wear Magic Johnson-Era Throwback Jerseys

The Los Angeles Lakers are an illustrious franchise, with a rich history that has laid the foundation to the second most championships in National Basketball Association history…

Lakers Rumors: Harry Giles III Signs Two-Way Contract; Dylan Windler Waived

The Los Angeles Lakers have been hit hard by injuries all season, most recently in their frontcourt…