As it’s well known across the NBA world, players are often dealt without any warning, whether it be a superstar or role player. One of the most active general managers on the trade front is Danny Ainge, who has made a living off orchestrating trades that makes his Boston Celtics an Eastern Conference contender year in and year out. Ainge is always in pursuit of big-name stars as was evidenced this summer when the team landed Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward.
Before this, however, Ainge had his eyes on an even bigger prize: Pelicans big man Anthony Davis. Rumors ran wild last season as many suspected the Celtics to be in the running for Davis if New Orleans falls out, something that could remain a possibility this year as well. Hearing the rumors, Davis addressed the matter with the Pels front office and GM Dell Demps according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
“He told me that [Boston] was calling, but nothing was going to happen,” Davis said.
Though New Orleans assured him nothing would happen, Anthony Davis is more than aware of the harsh business that is the NBA. Though this reassurance was likely a relief for Davis, he cited his own teammate DeMarcus Cousins as a prime example of how thin trust can run in this field:
“At the same time, though, you see how organizations treat players. Isaiah Thomas. DeMarcus [Cousins] told me that the [Kings] told him that he wasn’t going to get traded, but they traded him. Isaiah took his team to the Eastern Conference finals, and they traded him.
“It makes you wonder: Does this organization really have my back? I’ve been loyal to this organization. I love it here. I love this team. I think we’re moving in the right direction. DeMarcus, Rondo, some other players that are helping us, but people get judged on winning. And I want to win.
There’s no doubt Davis is correct with everything he has to say. We’ve seen players give their all to a city and organization and then ultimately be traded like it’s nothing but that’s the unforgiving reality of the business.
Though on the surface it appears foolish of the Pels to trade a generational talent like Davis, a deal could never be ruled out, no matter how much you produce. At just 24 years old, it’s encouraging that Davis is aware of this as it could help him down the road.
