The New Orleans Pelicans shouldn’t break the bank in trying to add talent at the NBA Trade Deadline, Anthony Davis is likely a lost cause
Heading into this season, the majority opinion was that of the New Orleans Pelicans having to have a great year – in both the regular season and playoffs – in order to help sway Anthony Davis to re-sign long-term.
The Pelicans can offer Davis the supermax this summer, and if he elects not to put ink to paper it could make the off-season that much more of a headache for New Orleans.
That’s why they needed to have a great 2018-19, in order to give Davis all the more reason to sign long-term. However, so far this season, that hasn’t exactly happened. At the moment, the Pelicans are three games under .500, 13th in the Western Conference and three games back from the final playoff spot.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
New Orleans couldn’t have gotten off to a worst start when it comes to potentially swaying Davis. However, the good news is that there’s still a second half of the season that needs to be played. And with the NBA Trade Deadline quickly approaching, the growing sense is that the Pelicans are going to be active in the coming weeks.
They have to do something in order to jumpstart the team and possibly finish in the top 8. However, perhaps something that won’t be popular amongst fans in New Orleans, it might be better for the Pelicans to save their assets and avoid making a rental type of trade at the NBA Trade Deadline.
Before you shut me off, hear me out.
The likelihood that Anthony Davis signs his supermax this summer, even if the Pelicans make a playoff push in the second half of the season, is still relatively small. Especially considering all the information that we have regarding Davis over the last few weeks.
Firstly, he is now signed with LeBron’s agency. Even though that might not seem like a huge red flag, it can’t be great. Even more so that LeBron is on the Los Angeles Lakers, who will be big game hunting during the summer – both via free agency and the trade market.
Secondly, he recently said that he’d take legacy over money. Even though most players would admit that, the timing can’t be helpful for the Pelicans.
No matter how much it may hurt, I think it’s safe to say that Anthony Davis’ numbers in a New Orleans Pelicans uniform are numbered and the team shouldn’t burn any more assets as it will only bring about false hope.