How does Kevin Durant’s decision affect Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans?

We’re closing in on what should be an interesting offseason for the New Orleans Pelicans. With big-name free agents like Kevin Durant on the open market, his eventual decision affects the entire league. It could, however, have a profound impact on where Anthony Davis lands as well.

This should make for one interesting offseason. Or have we become immune to big-name talents changing teams? Like it or not, the game has substantially altered over the past decade. And with superteams reigning supreme, every organization is desperately searching to gather stars to compete with the juggernauts of the league.

But who can we expect to be the next superteam? With names like Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving amongst others all available this offseason, there could be a seismic shift in power next season. Especially if the aforementioned names decide to team up, which is not uncommon for today’s NBA. But for now, let’s zone in on the free agent that should be on top of every buyer’s wishlist, Kevin Durant.

Kevin Durant has succeeded in what he wanted to accomplish in Golden State. Regardless of how this postseason plays out, he’s got two championship rings and two Finals MVP’s to bolster his already impressive resume. So what’s next for the 30-year-old? Will he stay and compete for more rings in the Bay, or will he leave and try to win elsewhere? History has proven how incredibly taxing accomplishing a three-peat is. Jordan, Pippen and the Bulls survived the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals the year they looked to complete the three-peat and mustered out a hard-fought Finals against the Jazz. In the early 2000s, the Lakers three-peat was nearly derailed by internal problems. The Warriors are experiencing similar issues trying to gut out their third consecutive title.

It’s very plausible that Durant leaves, regardless of the outcome in this year’s playoffs. He’s been linked to the New York Knicks all season. And maybe we’re reaching, but if they land Durant and another superstar, they could go all in and pursue Anthony Davis. We’ve talked about how the trade might look, you can read that here.

This is all hypothetical. But, there’s a legitimate chance it could happen. The Knicks would go from rebuild to contenders overnight. Though the prospect of pairing a lottery pick with Durant and company is appealing, Anthony Davis is a proven megastar in this league and is still only 26-years-old. The potential tandem of Durant and Davis with the proper cast alongside them is terrifying.

What’s also interesting is that Kyrie Irving has been linked to the Knicks all season as well. Given their friendship, it is conceivable to believe they could team up in the ‘mecca’ of the basketball world, New York. Bringing an NBA championship to that city would fortify both players legacies. Or how about the Brooklyn Nets? They’re also rumored to be major players this free agency as well. Could the Brooklyn Nets engage the Pelicans in a trade for Davis if they land big-name talents this free agency?

We’re going to continue to speculate where Davis may end up— if he’s moved at all. What package for Anthony Davis appeals the most to you? Or do you believe David Griffin can reconcile with the disgruntled franchise cornerstone? Let us know!