Lakers Pull Trade Offer For Anthony Davis, Pelicans Likely To Wait Until Offseason To Trade Him
Eight days after word leaked to the media that New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis requested a trade, the reports out of NBA circles have been constant.
Largely believed to be a contrived attempt by Davis' agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports to get AD to the Los Angeles Lakers before this Thursday's trade deadline, both Klutch Sports and the Pelicans have leaked news to try and gain more leverage.
When the situation began, the Pelicans had the most leverage, and still do. Davis is under contract for the rest of this season and next.
Despite saying he didn't request any preferred destinations, NBA reporters continued to cite sources of Davis only willing to sign an extension with the Lakers or New York Knicks, and if another franchise traded for him it would only be a rental.
The Pelicans weren't scared off by the tactic, and continued to allow Los Angeles to offer more in a potential trade.
According to Lakers beat writer Broderick Turner, L.A. has pulled out of trade talks with New Orleans amidst the Pelicans "outrageous" asking price, though have noted they await a counteroffer from the Pelicans.
With a likely change in Pelicans management coming in the offseason, multiple reports suggest New Orleans does not want to let a lame duck general manager in Dell Demps to trade Davis unless the Lakers make an offer that was unquestionably too good to pass up.
Lacking enough adequate assets for the Pelicans liking, it appears likely New Orleans will wait until this summer to trade Davis, the wide belief by many who are not Laker fans.
Meanwhile, Davis has stated he wants to play once medically cleared from a finger injury. Coach Alvin Gentry has stated he doesn't know if Davis would play another game for the Pelicans this season, even if he's healthy and on the roster post trade deadline.
Turner reports through one source the Pelicans are hopeful Davis will want to play and stay with New Orleans going forward.
Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner of The Advocate cited multiple sources today from within the organization that strongly deny that sentiment.
Davis is officially listed a questionable for tomorrow's game against the Chicago Bulls.