New Orleans Pelicans All-Star big man Anthony Davis has downplayed trade rumors involving his name, saying he’s not paying attention to them. In an interview with William Guillory of the Times-Picayune, Davis said he avoids reading anything into trade rumors with his name involved. While he understands that NBA is a business, Davis said that he ignores everything he reads and hears until he gets it from Pelicans general manager Dell Demps or his agent.
Davis revealed that he and his agent, Thaddeus Foucher, met with Demps about the swirling trade rumors in the offseason.
During the meeting, he got the assurance that there’s nothing to worry about. “I just wanted to make sure. I found out it wasn't true, and that was the beginning of the summer, so I haven't paid attention to it since,” said Davis, who averaged 28 points and 11.8 rebounds last season.
Celtics expressed interest in Davis
Chris Mannix of The Vertical reported that the Boston Celtics are planning to pursue Davis mid-season if his tandem with DeMarcus Cousins fails. Mannix based his report on his discussion with some NBA executives, who were convinced that the Celtics will be keeping a close watch on the Davis-Cousins partnership with the Pelicans next season. According to Mannix, the Celtics will pursue Davis once the Pelicans’ season goes out of control.
The Pelicans acquired Cousins from the Sacramento Kings in February’s trade deadline to boost their playoff chances. However, they lost steam in the crucial stretch, missing the playoffs with a 34-48 mark.
The Pelicans already have a solid Big 3 in Davis, Cousins and Holiday, who recently signed a five-year, $126 million contract that could balloon to $150 million with incentives.
New Orleans also added a veteran presence in its locker room in point guard Rajon Rondo, who signed a one-year contract. If ever, the 24-year-old Davis will be a tremendous upgrade to the Celtics’ frontcourt and will keep them at par with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. The Celtics recently won the Gordon Hayward sweepstakes, signing him to a four-year, $128 million deal.
Davis wants to stay with Pelicans
A four-time All-Star with the Pelicans, Davis also expressed his intention to stay with the Pelicans despite their failure to reach the postseason. “I am happy here as a Pelican. I am happy here,” said Davis, who is signed for four more years with the Pelicans.
