Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are two of the most talented players in the entire NBA. They are two transcendent stars that come around once in a generation and both have the ability to carry a team without much help. The NBA would be in for a real treat if Westbrook and Davis ever ended up on the same team together. Based on recent trade rumors this possibility could be coming to fruition.
Anthony Davis to join the Thunder?
The New Orleans Pelicans have started the season with an abysmal 8-17 record in the highly competitive NBA Western Conference. If they don't turn things around quickly they could be looking at another season without even sniffing the playoffs. Its really an absolute travesty to watch such a remarkable talent like Anthony Davis lose so much and so often. The Pelicans have not done a great job at all of surrounding him with the right pieces so that the team can be successful. They have a few good players in Tyreke Evans, and Jrue Holiday but they can never all seem to stay healthy at the same time, including Davis.
His health is probably the biggest knock on Davis because his game has very few flaws. If he is just able to stay on the court he can make his presence felt in numerous ways. A seven foot power forward/center that can bring the ball up the floor, create his own shot, and shoot from long range is already a deadly combination. Mix that with insane athtletic ability, rebounding, and shot blocking and you have an NBA superstar like no other. The Pelicans may be ready to deal their franchise player and begin the rebuilding process since they're already losing pretty consistently.
Blockbuster deal between OKC and New Orleans
The Pelicans may have found the perfect trade partner to start their rebuild in OKC.
The Thunder are currently sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference with a 15-9 record. While that is pretty good to start, it may not be enough to knock off teams like the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs when the playoffs begin. They may need that extra piece to put them over the edge and Anthony Davis definitely fits the bill. Teaming him with Russell Westbrook would cause opposing coaches nightmares trying to gameplan for them. They would immediately become one of the best duos in the league without question.
The proposed deal would send Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Cameron Payne, Steven Adams, and a first round draft pick in 2017 to the Pelicans and the Thunder would get the perfect compliment to Westbrook by acquiring Anthony Davis.
Those assets might be enough to entice New Orleans to let their star go because they would be in a good position to rebuild quickly. The Thunder on the other hand, would get the piece they need to be able to make a deep playoff run. If the proposed trade goes through it could be a win win for both franchises.