How does the Bucks/Celtics series pertain to Pelicans’ Anthony Davis?

The New Orleans Pelicans missed the playoffs. After a 4-0 start, they finished 33-49. It hurts. However—now in the second round of the postseason—the organization has a lot riding on the outcome of the Bucks and Celtics series.

To everyone’s shock and dismay, Anthony Davis could potentially be in a different jersey at the beginning of the season. David Griffin may have publicly stated his intent on keeping the disgruntled megastar, but that could just be perceived as a subtle power move. With Davis’ name out on the open market, organizations across the league have entered the fray. Of those aforementioned organizations, the Boston Celtics might have the best possible trade package to offer the New Orleans Pelicans.

Much like the Pelicans, the Celtics have questions entering this offseason. Primarily, is superstar point guard Kyrie Irving in or out? He’s voiced his displeasure with the team’s performance/direction once or twice this season, leading many to believe his departure inevitable.

Even though the team has had their share of frustrations this past season, they’re currently tied in the second round of the playoffs with the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 1-1 in their best of 7 series. So how does the Celtics postseason status pertain to the Pelicans? The answer is quite simple, depending on the outcome of this series, our chances of landing one Jayson Tatum either rise or deteriorate.

Jayson Tatum has been a polarizing figure for the Boston Celtics and their fanbase. One day he’s a future Hall of Famer, the next he’s a bust. The two ends of the spectrum could not be further apart. Where he really shined was last year’s postseason. With Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving sidelined with injuries, he took LeBron James to the brink of elimination—showcasing skill and poise much past his youthful age.

In the Eastern Conference Finals just a year ago, Tatum averaged: 17.9 points on 49.7% shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. But here we are today, with the polar opposite occurring for Tatum in this year’s second round. With more expectation for the Celtics as a unit, Tatum has managed just 4/17 shooting for 9 points in the first two games of this series.

If Boston were to be eliminated—and this underwhelming level of play is to continue for Tatum—the rumors of him being involved in a hypothetical package centered around Anthony Davis gain momentum. With Kyrie Irving’s impending free agency in question, the Celtics could attempt to persuade him to stay with a win-now outlook.

Danny Ainge could aggressively target Anthony Davis, and construct an intimidating tandem with Irving. Ainge has also reportedly suggested that nothing would be off the table in pursuit of Davis. And with the potential that Golden State implodes this offseason, the Celtics might see their window of opportunity and go all in.

We’ve discussed what the make of a trade of this magnitude would look like in a prior article, here. It’s also worth mentioning that the Celtics could finally figure out their lingering rotation issue and make a run at the NBA Finals. Thus all but eliminating the prospect of a Celtics/Pelicans trade. But what fun would that be? The potential of landing a player of Tatum’s caliber and rebuilding through him is seriously appealing.

Though he’s struggling at the moment, Tatum still has a very bright future in this league. Maybe the expectations have proved too much a burden. Maybe he needs a situation in which he can develop into a superstar organically. Whatever the case may be, have utter confidence that David Griffin and the New Orleans Pelicans front office will make the best move for the organization. How do you feel about Jayson Tatum? Is it worth building a roster around him? Would you like to see a package centered around the Celtics core? Let us know in the comments below!