Losing can have a lasting effect on a player. He could be an All-Star or a potential NBA MVP, but not winning, or at least in Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelican's case, not being able to compete consistently, has taken its toll. And as such, Davis is officially on the trade market.
According to CBS Sports, Anthony Davis has notified the New Orleans Pelicans, through his agent Paul Rich, that he will not sign a contract extension with the Pelicans. Furthermore, the 2012 number one overall pick has reportedly requested a trade.
Davis is probably used to being the center of trade rumors. Just a few weeks ago, speculations that Davis is bolting for the Los Angeles Lakers flooded the news after Davis and LeBron James met for dinner following a game between the Lakers and the Pelicans. Davis and James share the same agency and James was later that it "would be incredible" if he and Davis could play together.
That being said, it is not just the Los Angeles Lakers who would be gunning for the 5-time All-Star. Just about every team would put their best foot forward to acquire the versatile big man. However, Anthony Davis has made it clear that he wants to be "traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship."
Anthony Davis' requirement certainly narrowed down the number of teams that fits the bill. That said, here are the top 3 potential landing spots for Anthony Davis.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers seem to be the top landing spot for Anthony Davis. And it's not just because Davis is under contract with Rich Paul's Klutch Sports Group. The Lakers have the assets that may be able to sway the Pelicans front office to go for the deal.
In a trade scenario proposed by SB Nation, the Lakers would get Anthony Davis while the Pelicans would receive Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Josh Hart and any first-round draft pick.
The Lakers would get the second superstar that could help them go up against the best in the Western Conference while the Pelicans would get back young and talented players who would be able to contribute right off the bat. These young studs can also be used as trade baits if the Pelicans decide to pursue a different path.
Regardless, Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers seems to be the best odds at the moment.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have always been a contender. They just couldn't get over the hump in the ultra-tough Western Conference. The fact that the Blazers are always in contention means that Portland could be a good landing spot for Anthony Davis.
CBS Sports proposed a trade scenario that would have the Portland Trail Blazers acquire Anthony Davis and Solomon Hill, while the Pelicans would receive the sharp-shooter CJ McCollum, Al-Farouq Aminu, and the 2019 first-round draft pick.
The Pelicans would get a proven scorer in McCollum. But the best part of this deal would be the acquisition of Aminu and Solomon Hill. Both players have expiring contracts which could create salary flexibility for the Pelicans next season.
On the other hand, the Blazers would receive a dynamic two-way player in Davis. A frontcourt of Jusuf Nurkic and Davis may be enough to dominate the small-ball playing teams in the Western Conference. However, a Lillard-Davis partnership would also allow the Blazers to play small and compete with the rest of the league.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets built a team that could defeat the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, they fell short in their quest to overthrow the Warriors last season and fell in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Who knows what could have happened in that series had the Rockets had a talented big man with the skills of a guard. This is not a slight against Clint Capela and the other Rockets' big men. They more than held their own against the Warriors. But having a more versatile center could have been more beneficial for the Rockets during that series.
That being said, it is more vital for the Rockets to acquire Anthony Davis this season more than ever. Especially since the Warriors have given their GM permission to do whatever it takes to keep their superstars in the fold. This news spells trouble not only for the Rockets but also for the rest of the NBA.
In a proposed trade scenario, Anthony Davis goes to the Houston Rockets and the Pelicans would receive Clint Capela, Eric Gordon and a 2019 first-round draft pick.
Joining the Houston Rockets would give Anthony Davis the best chance to compete for a championship. For the Rockets, Davis could be the missing link - the player that could help them get over the hump. For the Pelicans, the duo of Jrue Holiday and Gordon would give them more punch in the backcourt and would also receive a talented forward in Clint Capela in return.
The NBA trade deadline is on February 7, and by the end of that day, the landscape of the NBA, not to mention the balance of power in the NBA, as we know today may change. That's how much of an impact Anthony Davis has.
