The Anthony Davis trade talks have died down with reports that the Los Angeles Lakers have pulled out of negotiations for the star big man. However, a new twist has appeared in the weeks-long saga.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Davis has the Lakers and Knicks on “equal footing” as preferred destinations should he be traded. However, that does not mean he would sign an extension this summer with either team:
Anthony Davis has the Knicks on equal footing with the Lakers in terms of teams he is interested in signing with long-term, @NYTSports has learned. The Clippers and Bucks also remain preferred destinations on his list
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 7, 2019
And whether he is traded before Thursday's 3 PM trade deadline or in the offseason, league sources say, Davis intends to play out the remainder of his current contract and become a free agent in 2020 no matter where he lands.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 7, 2019
The Knicks reportedly reached out to the Pelicans about a trade that would have swapped Kristaps Porzingis with Davis and were rebuffed. Porzingis has since been traded to the Mavericks.
New York, which has ample cap space to pursue two max free agents in the offseason, probably does not have the assets necessary to obtain Davis now. However, they are among the teams most likely to secure the number one pick in the 2019 NBA Draft which will almost certainly turn into Duke stud Zion Williamson. That may be the most valuable asset the Pelicans could realistically obtain.
As for Davis’ decision not to sign an extension, that is not shocking in the least. Davis serves to maximize his earnings if he plays out his contract until 2020 and signs a new one then. That also gives him time to look at the outlook of his team and the league and make a decision about his destination.
It being reported, however, may convince some teams (such as the Boston Celtics) to be more risky in attaining Davis, knowing that he may not be as fixated on the Lakers as previously thought.
The trade deadline is at noon PST on Thursday.
