Anthony Davis Trade: What were the Brow's other options before joining the LA Lakers
On Jan. 28, 2019, reports emerged that then-New Orleans Pelicans star big man Anthony Davis had requested a trade out of New Orleans. This presented an opportunity for competitive teams with trade assets to add one of the best big men in the league in his prime.
Davis was just 25 at the time and was averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. So naturally, multiple teams were interested in acquiring the star big man.
On that note, here is how the Davis trade saga went down.
Anthony Davis' initial trade request
Anthony Davis’ initial trade request was confirmed through his agent, Rich Paul, via a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” Paul said.
He explained that Davis wanted to be upfront about his desires with New Orleans, which is why he made a formal trade request:
“Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”
Davis was eligible for a massive five-year, $240 million contract extension at the time but let it be known that he valued winning over money. The Pelicans were just 22-28 and 13th in the Western Conference at the time.
Davis even reportedly spoke to his teammates about his decision, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic:
“All-Star Anthony Davis‘ agent, Rich Paul, notified the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday that Davis will not sign a contract extension and has requested a trade, Paul says. Davis also had conversations with teammates prior to his decision.”
All-Star Anthony Davis‘ agent, Rich Paul, notified the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday that Davis will not sign a contract extension and has requested a trade, Paul says. Davis also had conversations with teammates prior to his decision.
The Pelicans promptly issued a statement expressing their disappointment, via ESPN.
“Although we are disappointed in this decision, our organization’s top priority is to bring an NBA championship to our city …
“Relative to the specific talks of a trade, we will do this on our timeline. One that makes sense for our team and it will not be dictated by those outside of our organization,” the Pelicans said.
Davis reportedly did not give the Pelicans his preferred trade destination originally, via reporter Marc Stein:
“Anthony Davis' agent Rich Paul tells @NYTSports he has NOT given the Pelicans a preferred trade destination for Davis.”
Anthony Davis' agent Rich Paul tells @NYTSports he has NOT given the Pelicans a preferred trade destination for Davis. But Davis' July 2020 free agency obviously gives hm huge say in where he lands since no team will surrender meaningful assets for a player it can't re-sign
Instead, Davis made his trade request and then agreed to play out the rest of the season while awaiting a trade. Then-Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry confirmed as much following Davis' trade request.
“He (Davis) plans on playing out the season,” Gentry said.
“I spoke to the team this morning and I think everybody understands it’s part of the business.”
For ESPN's full report on Davis' 2019 trade request, click here.
Which teams were interested in Anthony Davis?
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the New York Knicks and LA Lakers were the first teams to prepare trade offers for Davis.
Other teams that were later reported to be interested in Davis included the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers.
Some young stars brought up in trade rumors included Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum and then-Sixers star point guard Ben Simmons. Meanwhile, some other teams were offering trades centered around future draft picks.
Trade talks went back and forth for many months. The LA Lakers then eventually won the Davis sweepstakes with a massive trade package centered around both future picks and young talent.
Anthony Davis traded to the LA Lakers
On June 16, 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to send Anthony Davis to the LA Lakers. In exchange, the Pelicans received young prospects Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, as well as three first-round picks.
The Pelicans have agreed to a deal to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks – including the No. 4 overall in 2019 Draft, league sources tell ESPN.
The trade would instantly reshape the title race during the 2019-2020 NBA season. Davis, alongside co-star LeBron James, went on to lead the Lakers to a title in their first season together in 2020.
Davis has since struggled with injury, leading some to question if the trade was worth all the assets the Lakers gave up. However, both he and LA accomplished their goal of winning a championship. So, most would agree that the trade has worked out for both sides.
Overall, Davis has averaged 24.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per game on 52.7% shooting through 163 regular-season games for the Lakers. The Lakers have gone 97-66 with Davis.
Also read: How Anthony Davis' trade demand from New Orleans Pelicans raised questions on player empowerment