It’s finally here! It’s happening! David Griffin has begun fielding phone calls from other front offices in regards to an Anthony Davis trade. But which team will the New Orleans Pelicans ultimately choose? And what effect will that decision have on the NBA hierarchy?
First and foremost, the New Orleans Pelicans should select whatever trade package puts them in the best imaginable shape moving forward. However, there’s more to it than just that. You see when a player of Davis’ magnitude is incorporated onto a new roster, the NBA feudal system can drastically alter. Those who were peasants a season ago can leap up to the top seemingly overnight.
Anthony Davis is still only 26-years-old and is entering the prime years of his career. He has missed 108 games due to injury over a seven-year span. But when healthy? The guy can compile stats comparable to NBA legends like Hakeem Olajuwon or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
If you put Davis on a roster with two other superstars, they can wreak havoc and torment the entirety of the league. The Pelicans may be wary because if put on a certain roster, they could see Davis and his new formidable teammates up to four times per season—discluding playoffs.
When someone like Davis is made readily available, all 29 other franchises in the NBA at minimal ponder the idea of engaging in trade talks. Do they have enough assets? Is it worth trading for a disgruntled star, especially if you’re in a smaller market? Does it fit their current timeline?
Of the 29 other teams in the NBA, a distinct few have surfaced as serious contenders in the AD bidding wars: Nets, Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, and Clippers. Who should Griffin and Langdon decide on? Let’s take a brief look at each team individually.