Anthony Davis: Boston Celtics lead Los Angeles Lakers in trade hunt because of THIS
BOSTON CELTICS lead Los Angeles Lakes in the hunt for Anthony Davis, according to NBA expert Marc Stein.
Davis can buy himself out of his New Orleans Pelicans contract at the end of the season.
If the Pelicans’ form does not improve in the next six months then there is talk the power forward will move onto pastures new to try and challenge for the NBA Championship.
The Lakers and Celtics have been keeping tabs on Davis since the start of the season.
But Stein claims the Celtics could offer highly-rated youngster Jayson Tatum in a potential trade which would sway the odds of landing Davis in their favour.
"The Davis thing more likely than not doesn’t play out until July,” Stein told the Bill Simmons Podcast.
“The Pelicans make him the offer, and look, we’ve seen guys not take that super max, so maybe he says ‘I’m not taking it, I’m ready to move on’.
“In summertime, it’s easier to do that and then it becomes a sweepstake.
“If Davis is going to be traded, you’re going to have doc one up with an amazing offer to beat what Boston can put on the table.
“If you have to sacrifice Tatum to get Anthony Davis, I think you do that. With apologies to the Celtics nation. Tatum is great, but Anthony Davis is [sic].”
Rumours have been circling that Davis could leave before the end of the season.
But Stein thinks the 25-year-old will stick around and make a decision further down the line.
“To me, the only way you could even pretend to propose that New Orleans moves him this season is if Davis tries to force it,” Stein added.
“And yes, he has a new agent, a very influential agent who can get things done, but still that’s gotta come from Anthony Davis.
“He would have to want to go now. He Genuinely loves New Orleans and has a great relationship with that city.
“Does he really want to be the bad guy who forces his way out in February? I don’t believe it.
“You’re going to have to trade for Davis to get him. New Orleans is going to offer him the $200million plus extension.
“If he doesn’t take it, they’re going to have to trade him. So don’t you want to save your trade chips for that trade?”