League sources expect Anthony Davis and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, to inform the rest of the league that he only plans to sign an extension with the Lakers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
That means Davis would be just a short-term rental for anyone else who tries to acquire him. He has a $28.75MM player option for the 2020/21 season and can become a free agent next summer.
The Pelicans won’t rush into a deal, Wojnarowski adds, writing that it will take an “overwhelming” offer to get Davis out of New Orleans before the February 7 trade deadline. The Lakers plan to try to reach that standard, with trade talks between the two teams expected to begin soon. L.A. is in position to offer a max contract in free agency this summer, but sources say the team would give that up to acquire Davis. The Lakers are willing to part with draft picks and some combination of young players Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball in their trade proposal.
The Celtics, who have been collecting assets in hopes of making a deal for a star, are reportedly among the teams willing to take the risk of trading for Davis without a guarantee of a long-term arrangement. Sources tell Wojnarowski that president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been calling the Pelicans for more than a year to let them know of his interest in Davis. There is also a tight bond between Davis and Kyrie Irving, who would be virtually assured of re-signing in Boston if Davis becomes part of the team.
Although he doesn’t identify them, Wojnarowski adds that several other teams are considering a deal for Davis, even if it’s only for the rest of the season. They could use him to make a run at the title, then flip him for other assets this summer.
Bron gettin his squad together! Regardless if he and his agent are extorting the Pellies and the rest of the league doing it!
Good ol’ Rich Paul, holding teams hostage again for his own interests.
I’m pretty sure every agents #1 job is to look out for the best interests of his clients. If that’s taking him to LA, which it no doubt is, then that’s what he’s going to try to do. That’s just how the league works. Players have a huge say, people just get upset when they use that to get traded where THEY want. It’s basically using free agency a year early. The teams don’t have to go along with it, but most times you won’t get the return you’re looking for if you don’t.
He’s a player agent
Why not wait another year? Have AD and some of the young guys to get a point guard or 3rd member of the dynasty?
Because they had that mentality with George. Enough waiting. You only have prime Lebron for so long
As if other agents don’t do the same thing. AD didn’t sign with Rich Paul because he didn’t want to go to the Lakers. This was a plan, that was developed in the summer, when he signed with Rich. Rich is being the bad guy, so AD doesn’t take the reputation hit.
I know everyone is acting like this came out of left field, when they were the same ones saying AD obviously wanted to be a Laker when he signed with Paul.
lol @ fake news. lakers know they’re screwed because no other star players want to join lbj
The difference with Davis?– nothing to do with James’personality. He plays a different position than him. You see that thing between your eyes and your mouth?– it’s a nose. Wake up and smell the coffee.
And Lebron/Earvin was not going to spend the company’s 2nd-star money on a non-star.
The Lakers, or at least Lebron, got who they wanted, and next they want AD.
It’s over for NBA teams that aren’t located in California.
Well, Danny thinks he can convince anyone that Boston is the place to be.
There is nothing that would convince AD that Philly is the place to be, just being honest I know our uphill battle.
The only place that is win-now who cares about the future would be Houston. Willing to deal 4 1sts for Butler was Nets Billy King esque.
AD, Wes Johnson and Payton for Capela, Chriss, Knight and figure out how many future 1sts it will take.
I’m interested in what teams will offer…
I could see Houston just going for it. Same with Toronto.
Before this leaked out, I thought Denver might be ready to send a whole bunch out for Davis.
I think they shouldn’t wait until the summer, since then only two teams will be left trying to deal for AD (the Lakers, and Boston… and their offers will be lower since AD will just have the one year left on his contract).
I’d say the same thing except they really got something going and their window is wide open – maybe the team to beat long term post GS? gotta get lucky in the draft one more time and use the Milsap money wisely and not overpay for guys like Barton
If they’re including Milsap in the AD deal, that would be a good use of money. Taking back Solomon would probably lessen the cost. NO should insist on Porter Jr and Gary Harris b/c those guys are controllable.
On Philly… the team has seen its years of great asset acquisition run into the ground by BC, which is really too bad.
That said, I believe that Brand should go for it, even if that means sending out Simmons. Two years of AD in a weak East should mean two years in the finals, and two shots at the championship.
2 years of AD vs…. at least 6 more years of Ben Simmons + Picks? I’m keeping Simmons. You’d have TJ McConnell and Markelle Fultz as the PG? I’d be more inclined to give up Fultz and draft picks than a 6’10-7’0 triple double machine. Just get destroyed by the better guard play in the East.
I think Simmons is super overrated. He’s a turnover machine who can’t shoot 3s, which you need to do.
AD is probably the best player in the league.
If I’m Brand, I try to get a PG via trade or after a buyout. Lin is going to be a great pickup where ever he ends up. Could be Philly?
I’d send Fultz with Simmons as part of the trade plus whatever filler is required. If they can get Moore back too, that would be fantastic.
Flags fly forever.
Sixers would be better off getting Beal.
But Beal ain’t available – AD is and you would t swap Simmons for Beal
Yea, not trading Simmons for Beal. Do you know who has near identical Per-36 Stats as Bradley Beal AND CJ McCollum? Jordan Clarkson. Beal’s just a more popular name and McCollum is another name Sixers fans have wanted for years. They could trade Muscala & Patton may not even cost them a 2nd for Clarkson.
I’d be more inclined to trade lesser assets for Clarkson or Lou Williams than a player that really isn’t a ‘special talent’. Especially not at a position of need (SG). JJ Redick posts 21 PTs PER 36 at better %s.
People need to stop including Ben Simmons in any trade scenario. I see ESPN talk about trading Simmons and it’s just laughable. Kawhi was traded for an All Star player with a max contract b/c Toronto had nothing else they could trade. Not a player on that roster that would entice the Spurs and the Spurs wanted to remain competitive instead of banking on potential and draft picks.
I think most stats underrate all of Beal, Mccollum & Clarkson– except PER.
Clarkson has been growing up, and he is still hard to stop. Cavs are best when he is running wild IMO. Cavs FO wanted YoungBull to be that guy but Clarkson is better at it. I’m glad the Cavs have him for another year. Simmons is prob better but I bet CLE sets up next year to revolve around JC instead.
Sixers better off wife Jrue Holiday
Agree their best bet for success is Jrue but the Sixers never do what I would advise.
No sarcasm…..It must be great being a fan in Los Angeles. People just sign with your team because of the great weather and atmosphere. I wish my city was like that.
In fairness… how many great free agents have gone to LA to sign?
I know that it’s obviously a desirable place to live, but players often live elsewhere during the offseason.
If Kawhi leaves for LA this offseason, that would be big news and the first time a player has done this since LeBron and then… Shaq maybe?
AD wants to go to LA because the Pelicans are terribly run, and he’ll make more money on endorsement deals etc in LA. It’s not like he didn’t resign in NO and give them a chance.
AD doing this is way better than when Bosh led the Raptors to believe he intended on resigning in Toronto, then left for Miami. This gives NO a chance to actually get something really great in return for him.
I believe most of the quality players have come in trades or drafted. Then they tanked so no real FAs. Mozgov & Deng were just dumb signings everyone agrees. Other than that they have only signed low-key players.
Best players from their 2 finals to now…
Artest signed. Pau traded. Odom traded. Ariza traded. Dwight traded.
Dwight signed with Houston as a free agent.
Between Shaq and LBJ, no max level guys came there as FAs, and they had a major one (Howard) leave. Of course, like the Knicks, they’ve rarely had max level cap space. They did outright lose Howard, their own player, and were rejected by Melo and LMA, after offering max slots. PG13 refused to give them an audience, although that wasn’t because he found them unattractive as an organization. In short, they are not a FA magnet that should strike fear in small market teams. Though, since Magic got there, he’s been relentless in trying. But there really is a limit of 2 such signings in any cycle.
Raptors got two 1st round picks in that FA signing because it was done (like most high-end FA signings were back then) as a S&T. One was a return of their own pick (which turned out to be #5).
Ironically, it was the small market teams that lobbied in CBA negotiations to effectively eliminate the S&T in these cases (by eliminating the higher home team contract terms for S&T deals), even though it almost always yielded them picks (Cleveland got 2 as well). Now, the teams losing elite players must trade them in advance, effectively losing the benefit of the contract they signed as any value the guy had to the team is greatly diminished once it’s known he’s out the door as soon as can be.
Small market teams routinely ban together in CBA negotiations to hurt their own cause. The DVE will prove to be another.
The rich & powerful are not smart about making rules– they’re smart about breaking them!
Officially hate this guy now.
League needs to investigate Bron. Dude has been tampering for years. KD covered for him this summer but he’s been tampering with KD big time. Only Bron would get away with this. I think owners needs to have more rules in place against players controlling everything. Why even have coaches, owners when any star player can just complain until they are all removed, then you can just go hit other players up to request trades to join your team. What happened to just playing hard and waiting until free agency? I can stand players that think they are above the integrity of the game. Disrespecting coaches, owners, fans acting like little brats. What a joke. Of course the players stick up for each other too. They are the most spoiled brats and don’t like being told to actually keep their words and play out contracts they signed. “I want out.” “Well you could have said that before you signed your contract! Would you like to go to court!?” Is how I would handle these babies.
Can’t stand players***
Gotta ask yourself why you’re siding with billionaire owners
How is LeBron the only one who gets away with it even though no player has been punished for tampering.
Duh, league DID investigate Bron.
They all talk with each other. Why specify James for punishment?
James is literally expected to recruit; he gets put on blast because he is expected to “bring” players along with him.
Do you know what the CBA is?– I doubt it since you ignore it. Players call each other all they want to.
It’ll never happen, but I would love for the league to stop stuff like this by preventing Davis from signing with the Lakers at all. EVER.
Davis signing with the Lakers doesn’t guarantee anything. The kid wants to play for a franchise that can surround him with elite talent. And build his brand off the floor.
Kid? He’s a 26 year old grown man with a family. My comment has nothing specifically to do with the Lakers as a franchise. My point is if ANY player comes out and specifically says he will only sign with a franchise he is not currently signed with, he should be barred from signing with that franchise.
Right now he has destroyed his value to the Pelicans. No one will trade fair market value for him knowing he is going to leave for the Lakers and the Lakers won’t trade market value for him knowing he will come for free in a year or two. Even though he changed his mind, Paul George pulled this 2 years ago and Kawhi pulled it last year. SOMETHING needs to be done to stop this garbage from happening every year or else the league needs to just get rid of half the franchises because players don’t want to play there.
You sound so salty lol. Would you of liked it if he kept it a secret? (even though we all know once he signed with RP he was going to the Lakers). If the best players want to join the best franchises then they should have the right too. Its the GM of the small market teams to build a team around there best players and not be cheap. AD gave them 7 years to do that and they failed.
No need for name calling.
Yes, it would have been a lot better if the knowledge did not become public. That is the whole point. His public mentioning of signing with an organization that he is not currently signed with completely devalues him with the Pelicans.
I have NO problem with anyone joining any organization if they do it the right way. Forcing your way out while hurting the ability of your current team to get fair value for your services due to your public comments is a HUGE problem.
Not be cheap? They signed Jrue Holiday to a $125 million contract and traded a lot of value to get DeMarcus Cousins. How were they cheap?
I’m sorry I hurt your feelings ahah. At the end of the day it’s a business. People like you always want to judge the players but give the GMs/owners a pass.
I never said my feelings were hurt, I was just trying to stop you from making yourself look bad. People like you always want to put yourself in the place of the players and always look at the GMs/owners as the enemy regardless of the situation. And as to your point that it is a business, just go to any other business as an employee and demand things from your boss. See how long you last, no matter how talented you are. It’s not like a real business.
I admit that I am saying this as a Sixers fan who is bitter about the Ainge and Celtics love, but I hope they trade for him and lose him for nothing.
I would love to get on board with this, but it would make the next 2 years unbearable.
I can respect AD for saying he wants out so he can find a winning situation and the pels can get something for him. I’ll lose all respect for him if he forces his way to LA though. He signed a contract with NO and instead of honoring it he demands a trade plus diminishes his value by saying he’ll only resign with the lakers. Seems like a pretty weak move.
If Rich Paul (and Davis were smart) they would go be a rental to the best team that has a chance at getting to the Finals in his “brief” (be it half a season or season-and-a-half) time there and then evaluate that situation going forward or sign with the Lakers.
And, if Davis was really smart, he’d have to at least consider whether Paul is attempting to use him to enhance James’ legacy via Davis helping him to another championship (or two).
Davis, Kyrie, Durant…. I still have this hunch they’re gonna link up SOMEWHERE.
Only place that would happen is knicks. They have to trade kp to probably for davis but that trio would be nasty in the east.
But in all seriousness i think the real trio to watch is kyrie, lebron and davis. I think the celtics pairing davis with kyrie is overblown and i think they have talked about going to la to take over for bron once he fades out. They could be the duo for the next decade along with some of lakers young core and lebron for 3 additional years.
Both players are using each other for thir own legacy. And obviously the plan has been for AD to join LA. Historic franchise and his brand will have take off worldwide.
If Davis is smart he’ll play wherever he wants to play for whatever reasons are important to him.
Note: Davis didn’t sign w Clutch Sports to go to the Lakers. Rich doesn’t have the market cornered on getting guys to the Lakers. Seems that there’s a lot og guys playing for the Lakers that Paul doesn’t represent. We’ll see what happens. But Davis going to the Lakers won’t be “because Rich Paul is his agent”.
Pelicans will hold Lakers hostage for all their assets
Of course but that’s the price you pay.
They r getting Davis. And then when Kyrie becomes a free agent he may b headed to LA as well. Ball and Ingram on the way out. Kyrie, Hart, LeBron, Kuz and AD. Scary starting 5
Sure, Kyrie apologized to LeBron for being stubborn but he didn’t apologize for leaving. I dont see Kyrie and LeBron playing together anytime soon simply because if the (real) reason he left Cleveland – and it wasn’t because he wanted his “own team”. I think, at this point, he’d prefer to beat LeBron more than team up with him.
If the Celts can get him around the draft without giving up Tatum, then it could work for the Celts even if he doesn’t stay more than the one year. The 2019-20 season could see other contenders, East and West, take a step back. Like Toronto this year with KL, the Celts could go for it and really not come out of it worse for the wear going forward.
A lot of movement is in store.
Didn’t the Paul George camp say the same thing? Magic even got warned for tampering because of it.
So if the reports of AD only being willing to sign with the Lakers is true, what are your thoughts on the Celtics going after Cousins and Bradley Beal? As a Celtic’s fan, I’m all in on AD, but not if he’s a rental..Can’t imagine Cousins and Beal would cost as much as AD..and I don’t believe the rumor that Kyrie wants to go to LA with Lebron and AD..thoughts?
It’s a little late for Irving to realize that James is useful to him for making ‘hero-ball’ work, which is also Irving’s favorite style. Irving would– and did– benefit from James keeping other players in line while Irving dribbles down the court & shoots. Now he’s tired of lesser players gunning on the Celtics.
It’s hard to believe he would follow James to LA as a third max player… but he could claim to be following Davis instead… and he probably disliked Cleveland more than James anyway.