Should Pelicans’ David Griffin trade Anthony Davis to the Boston Celtics?

How the Pelicans benefit from the trade

Solomon Hill in the package helps out the logistics of the trade. Plus, it would help to get out of the remainder of that contract, even if it only has a year left on it.  Jaylen Brown in spurts has looked like a future two-way star in the making. He’s had his share of struggles, but finding a way to incorporate your offense with a team that’s incredibly deep with players that all want their fair share of touches is difficult. However, his efficiency ascended in the latter half of the season. For the month of March, he averaged 14 points on 50% from the field and 42% from distance.

Jayson Tatum appears to be a victim of tremendous pressure applied to a player much too soon. That happens when you’re on a contending team and have already shown signs that you’re going to be the NBA’s next superstar. His game still needs to mature, but what’s transpiring in Boston could just be situational. If given an opportunity to develop his game organically, Tatum could still get to the ceiling fans envisioned after the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

Marcus Smart is a player you love to have on your team and hate to play against. He’s all heart and passion, and there’s no quit in his game, no matter what the circumstances. He defends at an elite level, and he hustles for every loose ball. What Smart does on the basketball court is contagious. It causes others to elevate their effort levels. He’s the ideal role player for an NBA rebuild. He brings toughness and grit to the locker room as well as much needed experience from the big games he’s played in over the years.

Here’s what David Griffin had to say on an NBATV interview back in January when the AD trade demand surfaced:

You’d be hardpressed to find a package that embodies that message more than what Boston might offer the Pelicans. Smart represents that elite role player, Tatum the potential star, with Jaylen Brown still at the young age of 22, and the obvious youth of the aforementioned draft selections.

If this version of an Anthony Davis trade is executed, the New Orleans Pelicans are in an excellent position moving forward. Multiple lottery picks and the potential of a young core that can grow together under the guidance of Alvin Gentry would be a great first move for David Griffin.