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Boston Celtics Rumors: Jayson Tatum key in team’s Anthony Davis dream

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden on January 02, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 02: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden on January 02, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics still have their eyes on Anthony Davis and it may take parting ways with Jayson Tatum to make a deal happen.

The New Orleans Pelicans will never, ever trade Anthony Davis, but this is the NBA and it’s a league driven by the players.  So, if the dominant big man wants to go elsewhere, it will happen.  And you better believe the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge will be waiting.

Whether it is this offseason or somewhere down the line, the Celtics hopes of acquiring Davis has always rested on their young talent and the chest of assets Ainge still has to play with.  But like with any big star made available via trade, other NBA teams will get in line.

In the case of Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are already waiting in line and have the resources sway the Pelicans into a deal, especially if and when Davis decides New Orleans is not his long-term destination.

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Jayson Tatum key in Anthony Davis destination

What that means for the Boston Celtics is that they will have to part with an asset they would love to keep in Jayson Tatum.  While Ainge would love to keep the second-year talent as part of Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Tatum big three, the reality is to entice the Pelicans in a bidding war with the Lakers, the former Duke star will most likely have to be included.

The only way Ainge could keep his young, budding star is if the Sacramento Kings suddenly went on a colossal losing streak and the Celtics ended up landing the No. 2 or No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Combine that with the Memphis Grizzlies pick the Celtics own landing in the top 10 (top 7 protected) and a package featuring Jaylen Brown could work without getting rid of Jayson Tatum.

According to Boston Celtics radio commentator Cedric Maxwell, the second-year wing admitted he would trade himself for Anthony Davis.  The former Celtics great revealed Tatum’s words while appearing on the Celtics Beat Podcast.

Obviously, he hears the continuing rumors in the ongoing Davis saga.  He also has to know that as his game continues to develop, he will be the key player the Pelicans would ask for in such a deal.  Whether or not Danny Ainge is willing to include him in a deal will determine if Anthony Davis ends up in Boston or teaming up with LeBron James and L.A.

What will happen?

While most would say give up anything to get a generational player like Anthony Davis, Danny Ainge typically looks at the bigger picture.  Knowing he has player who could be a top NBA talent for years to come, the Celtics deal maker will be hesitant to include a player he covets.

Of course, all of this depends on the team’s long-term plans for Kyrie Irving and where those ping pong balls bounce if the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies slide into the lottery.

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Unless the New Orleans Pelicans get put in a corner where they would have to get something for Davis while they can, they will stick to their cards in trying to get the most they possibly can.  As long as the Lakers are involved in any trade scenario, Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics will have a decision to make when it comes to Jayson Tatum.

It’s a decision that could have fans talking for years to come.  Ultimately, both teams would benefit with a player the caliber of Anthony Davis and a player tending towards stardom involved.

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