LA Clippers: 3 Reasons Not To Trade For Anthony Davis

Reason Two: No Guarantee He Stays

So, let’s say you convince yourself that giving up a couple of young players and draft picks for AD is ultimately worth it and you get him for 2019-20. Great! Just remember, he has a player option after this season.

With the way the modern NBA works, player movement is not something that is surprising. Not many could have predicted LeBron’s move to Miami nor did they see Durant to the Warriors. Players do what they want. AD might want to play in Los Angeles, but there is no guarantee that his desire is to play for the Clippers.

How bad would it be if the Clips gave up all their assets, landed AD and then he bolted after just one season?

Yes, there is the Paul George precedent where Oklahoma City managed to convince him to stay, but PG and AD are different people. Nothing is guaranteed. We may also have Kawhi Leonard in Toronto winning a Finals as more proof that risking everything is worth it, but if they lose and Kawhi bolts, the Raptors will be stuck. (Let’s also remember that they didn’t give up a ton compared to the offers people expect for Davis.)

With Rich Paul of Klutch Sports as his agent, Davis seems even more likely to be a flight risk. In case you are unaware, Paul represents many NBA players, but his most notable client is LeBron James. James has been looking for a second star to join him in Los Angeles with the Lakers and if they strike out this summer, he may have to turn his sights to 2020. If LeBron has Rich Paul whispering in AD’s ear, there is more than a good chance he could go down the hall to the other locker room.

With young assets and draft picks that can be locked up for up to seven seasons, risking the future for someone who might not commit to your organization is too risky.