Anthony Davis trade: Boston Celtics GM sent 'nonsense' warning by Pelicans front office
ANTHONY DAVIS will be a trade target for the Boston Celtics, but New Orleans Pelicans GM David Griffin has some word of warning for Danny Ainge.
Anthony Davis opens up about fan reaction after trade demand
Davis will be the most sought after trade target this summer after making it clear during the regular season that he wanted to leave.
Griffin has hinted that he hopes to convince the six-time All-Star to remain in New Orleans after taking up his new role.
But most reports on the subject suggest there is no changing Davis' mind, with the Celtics expected to enter negotiations.
The Los Angeles Lakers will also likely return after trying to trade for him back in February.
For the Celtics though, Ainge has built up a reputation in the league as one of the most savvy GM's when it comes to trades.
He orchestrated the famous 2013 trade with the Nets which yielded a number of first-round picks.
Ainge also led negotiations in landing Kyrie Irving back in 2017, putting themselves in a position to challenge for an NBA title.
Griffin has previous of dealing with Ainge, having worked as a video intern for the Suns when the Celtics GM was the head coach in Phoenix.
They have maintained a good relationship ever since, but Griffin won't be giving Ainge any leeway in negotiations for Davis.
"To some degree you're mindful of what his tact is," he said on ESPN's The Jump.
"You're very mindful - if you're doing this right - you're very aware of what everyone's tact is.
"The negotiating tactics and ploys that somebody might utilise, you're going to be aware of that.
"Danny's not unique in that way that he's got a very specific style.
"What makes the situation with Danny unique is we have the kind of relationship where we can really call each other on that nonsense and just sort of, 'this is what it looks like'.
"Because we have that ability, it makes any conversation we would have along the way a fruitful one."