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Boston Celtics: Anthony Davis sweepstakes is team’s toughest opponent

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 09: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Smoothie King Center on January 09, 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 09: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Smoothie King Center on January 09, 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) /
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Following the NBA Trade Deadline, the toughest competition for the Boston Celtics is the ongoing Anthony Davis trade rumors.

The biggest win for Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge could be his biggest loss.

As the NBA Trade Deadline came and went, it became apparent that Ainge will have a shot to acquire Anthony Davis in the offseason due to the fact the New Orleans Pelicans are holding off on trading the All-Star big man.

Good news for the Boston Celtics and their ultimate long-term plans, but it can’t be good for the current team trying to compete for an NBA Finals trip and championship this season.  Let’s overlook the Kyrie Irving free agency rumors for now.  With young players like Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown constantly rumored in a potential deal for Davis, it has to mess up any chemistry the team has now.

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Why would these players give it their all knowing the team has no long-term loyalty to them?

This goes back to Anthony Davis Sr. using the lack of loyalty card as to why he doesn’t want his son playing for the Celtics.  But, then again, every team should be put in this mix, not just Ainge and rumors that he made the entire team except Kyrie Irving available for trade.

Save the last two games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics have been playing good basketball.  They rose to as high as the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Davis rumors appears to have distracted this basketball team.

That’s why the timing of Anthony Davis asking publicly for a trade was bad for Ainge.  Suddenly, “Trader” Danny had to show his cards sooner rather than later just to keep the Pelicans intrigued about an offer if they held off granting Davis his wish to be traded to the Lakers.

Had that deal went through, the current Celtics would know they would be in Boston beyond the remainder of the season and perhaps play more loosely and have the “fun” Marcus Morris said has been missing for a very long time.

The Davis deal still looms over team

Even now that it hasn’t, it has to still have an impact on the younger players.

Speaking to the media following the trade deadline last Thursday, Jayson Tatum did admit it was a relief to still be on the team.

"“Yeah, I’m glad to still be on the team,” Tatum admitted.  “I know everyone else was probably watching, so I’m glad it’s over with.  Feels great.“Everyone in here wants to be here.  We’ve been around each other, playing with each other.  Hopefully we just stay healthy and give ourselves a shot.”"

It feels great for now but losing a game in the fashion in which they lost to the Clippers on Saturday night just brings back the chemistry issues the team appears to have.  Players are playing for themselves and not as a team when things get tough within the game.

More. Jayson Tatum key in team’s Anthony Davis dream. light

While many would blame the extreme pressure, the team faced coming into the season or Gordon Hayward’s continued struggles to find his game consistently, the true blame has to be on the constant Anthony Davis rumors.

The young players like Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier helped lead the team to the brink of the NBA Finals without Hayward and Kyrie Irving have to feel a certain way that the team they want to be with will dump them in a heartbeat for a player who has made it public that he doesn’t want to play in Boston long-term.

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So, while the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers all got better, the biggest competition for the 2018-19 Boston Celtics is what lies in the future when it comes to Anthony Davis.  Danny Ainge is throwing all his marbles into this one potential acquisition.  He is doing do by risking winning banner No. 18 this season.

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