Report: Anthony Davis still not interested in long-term deal with Celtics
With the NBA trade deadline looming, Pelicans star Anthony Davis has opened up his trade options a little bit, reportedly alerting the New Orleans front office of a ‘handful’ of teams he’d be willing to sign a long-term deal with upon a trade.
The Boston Celtics are still not among that handful, though, Beyond the Lakers and Knicks, the Pelicans have been made aware of "a handful" of teams that Anthony Davis would be willing to sign long-term with upon a trade, league sources tell ESPN. Boston isn't included on that list.
This is line with what’s been reported from the start, as 25-year-old Davis has been consistent in his view of the Celtics as a ‘rental option’ only (he can opt out of his current contract in 2020), instead considering the Knicks or Lakers a better long-term fit. Davis’s father, Anthony Davis Sr., has also come out and said that he doesn’t want his son playing for the Celtics.
It’s basically Danny Ainge’s worst nightmare.
As for the other teams included in the Davis Sweepstakes, multiple reports indicate the Knicks and Lakers are still at the top of his list, Sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium it's four-team list for Davis -- with inclusion of the Clippers and Bucks along with previous teams (Lakers, Knicks). The Knicks are unlikely, however, after moving Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas. https://t.co/Vh3l4XJ51t
The Lakers have reportedly already made an offer to the Pelicans, but were basically laughed off the phone without a counteroffer. It’s believed Magic Johnson and the Lakers offered a laughably bad package of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley and a first-round pick in in the Lakers first offer to the Pelicans for Anthony Davis, LA offered Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley and a first-round pick, league sources tell ESPN.
A six-time All-Star, Davis has been just plain dominating in 41 games for the Pelicans this year, and has averaged a career-best 29.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday.
