It's open season for NBA teams. Antony Davis, in an interview during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, revealed that the Boston is one of his preferred destinations if he is traded by New Orleans. However, the All-Star Center backtracked and stated that "all 29 teams" are on his list.
Just a few weeks ago, Anthony Davis, through his agent, informed the New Orleans Pelicans front office that he has no plans in signing a contract extension with the team. As the story of Davis' requests surfaced, the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as the top teams that could acquire Davis.
Those four teams are also listed as Anthony Davis' preferred destination, but there were also rumors that the Boston Celtics may have the highest chance of landing Davis during the offseason despite not being mentioned as a preferred destination at first. However, Davis during an interview in Charlotte confirmed that the Celtics "were never not on my list."
Anthony Davis was asked about the perception the Celtics were not a preferred destination. He then repeated several times: “They were never not on my list.” — Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 16, 2019
Shortly thereafter, the Pelican star backtracked and said that "All 29 other teams are on my list." Davis added that he does not have a preferred destination. Or rather, every team except the Pelicans have the chance to sign him.
"All 29 other teams are on my list." Anthony Davis says he does not have a preferred destination#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/fyCIxtLdYX — NBA TV (@NBATV) February 16, 2019
The offseason is a few months away and announcing that any team has a chance to sign him may only be a ploy to stay away from all the drama. After all, Anthony Davis has been at the center of all the drama during the 2019 trade season.
The Los Angeles Lakers practically offered everything they have in an all-out-effort to acquire the All-Star center. Several trade packages and counter-offer later, it seemed clear that the New Orleans Pelicans had no interest in dealing with the Lakers.
Following the botched Anthony Davis trade negotiations, Dell Demps, the recently sacked Pelicans general manager, has been accused of not playing the field fairly. Magic Johnson, the President for Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, accused the Pelicans front office of not negotiating in "good faith" during the process.
Danny Ferry, a Special Advisor to the General Manager in New Orleans since 2016, has taken over the reign from Demps. Ferry would take the lead and will likely handle the Davis trade talks personally.
Ownership’s plan with a new GM will be continuing to push back on Anthony Davis preferred trade destinations if they don’t make sense for Pels — especially with a full year left on his contract, per sources. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2019
Meanwhile, Charles Barkley, a Hall of Famer and an analyst for the award-winning show Inside the NBA, firmly believes that Anthony Davis would inevitably play for the Lakers. "I said that three months ago when he signed with Klutch (Sports)," Barkley told reporters. He added "I said on ESPN, I said, 'Well, the fix is in.'" Klutch Sports is founded and run by Rich Paul, a childhood friend of LeBron James.
