Celtics Reportedly Engaging in Trade Talks for Pelicans' Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis doesn't want to go to the Celtics.

Danny Ainge doesn't seem to care.

The Sixers' biggest rivals are engaging in trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for the six-time All-Star, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Kyrie Irving opted out of his player option in Boston this week and, according to Woj, the Celtics hope that adding Davis would give them their best shot at re-signing Irving. 

But Davis' camp said at this year's trade deadline that the big man wouldn't sign in Boston long term - something his agent doubled down on in a recent SI article - so there's clearly a ton of risk here for the Celtics. The Lakers are the clear favorite to land Davis when his contract expires in 2020, meaning this could be a one-year, all-in push. 

A similar approach worked for the Raptors and Kawhi Leonard, but if Boston can't keep Irving, there's no guarantee they would be able to keep up with the Raptors, Bucks or Sixers even with Davis in the fold.

And Irving's status with the Celtics … well, that's a different story altogether.

Philadelphia 76ers

Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Official says no-call was wrong to end Sixers' loss; Oubre apologizes for reaction 

3 observations after Sixers lose dramatic, controversial game in Harden's return

Plus, Davis hasn't had the most success against Joel Embiid, a player he'd see an awful lot of as a Celtic.  The Sixers have beaten the Pelicans three out of four times when both Embiid and Davis are in the lineup. While their numbers are close, it's fair to note that Davis has shot just 36 percent in those contests and Embiid has averaged 10 fewer minutes a game thanks to two Sixers' blowouts.

Is the core of Davis and Irving really the way Ainge wants to build his roster?

If it costs him Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown or even Embiid stopper Al Horford to make the money match plus draft picks, it really doesn't seem worth it.

Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.

More on the Sixers

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us