Anthony Davis Wants To Leave The Pelicans, Despite Picking Up Zion Williamson

Despite New Orleans acquiring the No. 1 pick in this year’s lottery, Zion Williamson is likely to join the Pelicans, but drafting Williamson still seems to be not enough to make Anthony Davis want to stay. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, executive David Griffin couldn’t convince Davis to stay.

After his trade saga last season, lets look at Davis’ options that teams will be so eagerly to trade for him.

Los Angeles Lakers:

After the Lakers’ pursuit of him failed spectacularly last season, this season the Lakers will be pushing twice as hard for the All-Star. LeBron James and the Lakers have multiple young assets, and an important first-round 4th pick (likely Vanderbilt’s Darius Garland) in the draft this Thursday to bid with. Los Angeles looks appealing for Davis, but the Lakers will need to outbid other suitors if they want him. The Pelicans will want that fourth pick, as well as possibly Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma will likely be the deciding factor for both parties as the Lakers intend to keep the promising forward, but Davis isn’t going to come cheaply.

New York Knicks:

Perhaps the team that can afford him the most, the Knicks lack that attractive star that Davis wants to play with. The Knicks possess the third overall pick, which will inevitably be Duke’s R.J. Barrett, they will have to give up Dennis Smith Jr., shooter Kevin Knox, and their first pick in last year’s draft, Frank Ntilikina as well. The Knicks are in pursuit of Kevin Durant,. a long shot to be fair. A massive offseason overhaul could be in store this summer for the Knicks.

Boston Celtics:

To grab Davis, like any other team in pursuit of him, it’s going to come at a cost. From the C’s, the Pelicans will want Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, both their 14th and 22nd overall pick and possibly even Marcus Smart. The Celtics are also battling to keep Kyrie Irving on the team for next season, but Irving would likely stay if his front office acquired Davis.

Toronto Raptors:

The Raptors cannot trade their pick in this year’s draft, they are currently knotted with the Warriors in the NBA Finals, and aren’t likely looking for a massive rebuild with this squad. But at the same time, the Raptors need to convince Kawhi Leonard to stay. Adding Davis would look appealing for Leonard, but it would come at a heavy cost. The Raptors could possibly look to unload Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell, Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry, but even that may not be enough. If Griffin and the Pelicans are looking for prime talent, the Raptors may be their best option, but there are other bidders that offer players with great potential.

Griffin and the Pelicans have their hands full and plenty of tough choices to make. With the NBA draft coming on June 20, bids are going to come flying in for Davis.

Article by Tyler Pence