Despite rumors saying they have been named as one of his preferred destinations, the LA Clippers have not yet made a trade offer for Anthony Davis.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the LA Clippers have not made an offer yet on Anthony Davis. This news broke after it was revealed that the Clippers were one of four teams who Davis would re-sign with if traded to.
This may not be a bad thing for Clipper Nation though. To even get into the conversation with New Orleans, there are only a handful of things that the team could offer. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would likely have to be included as well as some combination Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, Tobias Harris, Jerome Robinson, Danilo Gallinari and multiple first round picks.
And you know what? That’s probably not even enough. Per Woj:
Pels are waiting on Lakers to overwhelm them w/ an historic haul of picks. To Nola, that means Lakers offering 4 first-round and second-round picks as part of a Davis package. Pels want to be compensated - perhaps even overcompensated - to even consider a deal with LA now. https://t.co/Ft8rfe9EBZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2019
While Davis is arguably a top five player in the NBA, getting him would require essentially turning over nearly half the roster. The Clippers would have a superstar which has been their ultimate goal, but at what cost?
By sitting out of the trade discussions, the team accomplishes a few things. First, they don’t scare their current roster into thinking any of them are tradeable. After Blake Griffin was abruptly moved last season, I’m sure there is some small distrust between management and players and keeping them out of trade rumors this season may help alleviate some of that.
Secondly, you don’t strip your team of all depth. The Clippers have thrived on their depth this season and can still hang on to several of the players this summer even if they go the route of signing two max contract players. One of Lou or Trezz may have to be moved to bring in two superstars, but keeping the other could shore up the bench nicely.
Finally, you don’t have to lose your young pieces. SGA has impressed nearly everyone in the league during his rookie campaign and Jerome Robinson has slowly but surely started showing signs of potential as well. Giving up on them so early for a star is tough to swallow, especially when you still have the chance to net one this summer while holding onto both young players.
Getting Davis is nice, but not at the cost the Pelicans are looking for. The Clippers are wise to stay out of the talks for now and just continue to focus on making the playoffs and free agency.