Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics Rumors: Anthony Davis trade request timing bad for team

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 23: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans sits on the bench with an injury in his finger during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center on January 23, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 23: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans sits on the bench with an injury in his finger during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center on January 23, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The NBA Trade deadline just got a lot more interesting with Anthony Davis requesting a trade to a winner which could be bad news for the Boston Celtics.

The Boston Celtics have been stocking up on draft picks and young talent with hopes of landing a big-time talent like Anthony Davis.  Now, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has an opportunity to see if he could cash him.

Similar to the Kevin Garnett deal, Davis is a player the team has been monitoring for a couple years now.  The most dominant big man in the game today has previously stated he was content leading the New Orleans Pelicans. That, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, has changed.

On Monday morning, Woj dropped a bomb that could change the landscape of the NBA sooner rather than later and the news is both good and bad for the Celtics.

More from Chowder and Champions

Here’s the news Wojnarowski dropped via Twitter:

"“Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.”"

With the Pelicans struggling, the news is really not surprising, but the timing is.  Davis could sign a 5-year, $240 million extension with New Orleans this summer or become a free agent in 2020.  The latter would be the most interesting and anticipated summer of free agency since that time LeBron James took his talents to South Beach.

This situation was never expected to get that far, especially now.  With a team like the Boston Celtics ready to swoop in once Anthony Davis showed any signs of discontentment, the Pelicans find themselves in a position, unlike the Cleveland Cavaliers way back when, to cash in and get something back from the star.

However, due to something called the Derrick Rose Rule, Ainge cannot trade for Davis prior to the NBA Trade deadline unless they deal Kyrie Irving.

That does present an interesting dilemma for the Boston Celtics.  With Terry Rozier ready to start in the league, don’t rule out Ainge doing exactly that.  A package of Irving, Jaylen Brown and their chest of draft picks could be intriguing for New Orleans.

The only problem is they will only have Irving as a rental as will be a free agent following the season.  Therefore, that scenario may not happen.  So, due to the timing, Ainge and the Celtics have more to worry about when it comes to any chance of acquiring Anthony Davis.

Timing means everything

According to Woj, the dominant big man’s agent said that his timing to request a trade was to give the front office a chance to explore their options.

Now that they know what his intentions are, they can start listening to offers for the big man.  The Celtics can’t be one of those teams if the deal doesn’t involve Kyrie Irving, so a team like the Los Angeles Lakers can get a head start on trying to swoop in on Anthony Davis before the NBA Trade deadline.

Related Story. Anthony Davis addresses potential deal to Boston. light

While there are other mystery teams that dial the Pelicans’ number with intriguing packages, the Lakers are the main threat because Davis does appear to have an interest in playing alongside LeBron James.  It would be in the Celtics best interest if the Pelicans were patient, but if Davis forces the issue, New Orleans could be forced to get something now rather wait for the best package which Danny Ainge has at his disposal.

That’s the main reason why the timing is bad, but there is another reason.

In knowing that Anthony Davis is available following the season (if he is not dealt at the deadline), Ainge will hold onto his assets.  That means the team on the court now will be the team he sticks with the rest of the season.  Given the talent, that is not a bad thing, but players like Terry Rozier will have to accept his role and play more consistently to help the team win.

Next. Boston Celtics: 5 crazy predictions for 2019 and beyond. dark

Despite a 115-111 loss to the Golden State Warriors, it is apparent that the Boston Celtics are not that far away.  A player like Davis puts them right there depending on what they would have to give up.  But, not obtaining him is not the end of the world either.

Danny Ainge has to be smart here.  Any team going after Anthony Davis now would be taking a gamble, but the Celtics have the most to lose if they roll the dice and Davis doesn’t like the number he sees to stay long-term in Boston.

Home/Celtics Rumors