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Anthony Davis requested a trade — should the LA Clippers get involved?

By Garrett Chorpenning

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on December 3, 2018 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on December 3, 2018 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis has requested a trade. Should the LA Clippers try to land him?

NBA Twitter went into a frenzy early Monday morning when ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski dropped one of his famous “bombs” out of nowhere. This time, the report was about five-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who has reportedly requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Davis, who is just 25 years old, has consistently been one of the best players in the league since the 2013-2014 regular season, when he was selected to his first All-Star Game at age 20. For his career, Davis scores 24 points per game, but is averaging a career-high 29.3 per game this season.

According to Wojnarowski, Davis is most concerned with being able to consistently compete for a championship. Here’s the full quote from Monday morning’s story:

"“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship. Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”"

Rumors have been circulating for years about Davis’ eventual departure from New Orleans, and the most popular destination for him has been the Los Angeles Lakers. With numerous young assets and plenty of cap space available this summer, the Lakers could easily take on Davis’ monster contract and re-sign him following the end of next season.

It would arguably make the most sense for Davis to end up with the Lakers as well. He and LeBron James share the same agent, and with their winning culture, his requirements would likely be fulfilled.

Another likely destination, according to Wojnarowski, is Boston. The Celtics have been interested in Davis for some time now, and would like to pair him with Kyrie Irving. Like the Lakers, the Celtics also boast a winning culture. However, Boston would not be able to finalize a trade for Davis until July 1 if they intend to play him alongside Irving. This is due to the “Rose rule“, which wouldn’t allow their contracts under the designated rookie exception on Boston’s roster together.

Wojnarowski claims that most NBA teams will check in on Davis’ availability, which begs the question: Should the LA Clippers try to get involved?

You could make an argument both ways, but the truth is that it would take an awful lot for Steve Ballmer and Co. to bring him in.

The LA Times’ Brad Turner has already reported that the Lakers’ deal for Davis “has to start” with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and a first-round pick. That likely wouldn’t be all the Lakers would have to give up, which puts the LA Clippers, and other teams competing for Davis, in a tough spot.

The Clippers would likely need to start any trade with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson, as well as Lou Williams or Montrezl Harrell, plus one of Danilo Gallinari or Tobias Harris. Some high-value picks would likely be necessary as well. And while that might seem like a lot, it would be necessary for LA to field a competitive offer to even stay in the conversation.

Already, it seems like the Clippers should avoid trading for Davis. But when you consider that LA could pair him with someone like Kawhi Leonard or Kevin Durant, it’s a much more considerable idea. After all, Davis and Leonard are both multi-time members of the NBA’s All-Defensive Team, and arguably the league’s best two-way players.

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It’s hard to imagine the Clippers not making an offer to New Orleans, but it’s unlikely that they’ll emerge as a frontrunner. I would expect LA to be reluctant to deal its younger assets in Gilgeous-Alexander and Robinson, and prefer to pursue the expected targets during this summer’s free agency period. Still though, Davis is absolutely worth a look — especially if LA can get him for the right price.

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