One of the premier teams that has reportedly been pursuing New Orleans Pelicans star big man Anthony Davis is the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics have been linked to Davis for years now, as their bevy of talented young guards could surely use an elite frontcourt complement. However with trade talks surrounding Davis ramping up following his request, the 25-year-old forward knows he doesn’t want to spend his future in Boston. According to The Vertical’s Shams Charania, Davis won’t commit to Boston if they trade for him, and he doesn’t view them as a ‘long-term’ destination.
Sources @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: The Boston Celtics aren't a preferred destination long-term for New Orleans star Anthony Davis, and in Davis’ mind, remain a rental option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2019
The Celtics were perceived as one of the headliners in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes but this recent report could change that. If Davis is truly unwilling to remain in Boston for the foreseeable future, it would be foolish of Boston to cough up valuable assets, especially with Davis eligible to become a free agent in 2020.
There have been rumors of Davis wanting to play alongside LeBron James on the Lakers and it appears that is ultimately his preferred destination. On paper, Davis would have been a stellar fit with the Celtics but it appears the superstar may have his heart set on Los Angeles.
The Celtics wouldn’t have been able to execute a trade for Davis until the beginning of free agency on July 1 regardless. However, the Celtics have a myriad of movable and valuable assets on their roster, especially for a team hungry for wing talent such as the Pelicans. But with Davis reportedly not showing interest in Boston as a long-term home, this could limit the Pelicans’ trade options even further.