Report: Anthony Davis doesn't see Celtics as long-term destination
If New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis goes to the Boston Celtics, he won’t stay there long. Davis reportedly doesn’t view the Celtics as a long-term option for him, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
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The 25-year-old Davis instead sees Boston as more of a rental option. Davis can opt out of his contract following the 2019-2020 season.
That only adds more credence to reports that Davis is angling for a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis would also reportedly be happy with the New York Knicks, according to Charania.
Anthony Davis is focused on the Lakers as his top preferred destination, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium. The Knicks are also as a preferred landing spot, and made push to New Orleans with offer around Kristaps Porzingis before the Dallas deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2019
There’s a reason those Lakers rumors exist. LeBron James hasn’t been quiet about his desire to play with Davis. James’ recruitment of Davis has become so well known that TNT analyst Charles Barkley wants NBA commissioner Adam Silver to block any trade that sends Davis to the Lakers.
While the Knicks traded a talented player in Kristaps Porzingis on Thursday, the team also freed up enough salary space to make a run at a few superstars in the offseason. There are rumors the team will go after Kevin Durant. With Kyrie Irving now keeping his options open, he could also be a target for New York. Combine all that with the chance of the team drafting Duke standout Zion Williamson, and the Knicks’ future doesn’t seem so bad.
The Pelicans have no obligation to make Davis happy in a deal. The team will be looking for the best offer, though these leaks could impact how much a team is willing to give up knowing Davis could be a rental.
If there’s any consolation here, it’s that the Davis rumors could end soon. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 7, and if he’s moved, the focus will turn to whether he’ll stick around after next season.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
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