After finalizing their acquisition of Kyrie Irving, the Boston Celtics are still setting their sight on another game-changing player. NBA Sr. Writer Zach Lowe of ESPN believes the recently struck blockbuster deal has moved the Celtics a step forward to possibly acquiring All-Star forward Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Anthony Davis sweepstakes
The Celtics remain capable of coming up with a lucrative trade package to the Pelicans after trading Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Irving.
Boston is still in possession of several key picks, which include the Lakers’ 2018 first round selection, the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2019 first rounder, the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2019 first-rounder and their own picks. They can also throw in one of their promising youngsters (Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown) to make their package even more appetizing.
Moreover, the opportunity to play for a glamour franchise like the Celtics, alongside fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford would be hard to resist. The 24-year old Davis has developed into a transcending player for the Pelicans, averaging 22.4 points on 51 percent FG shooting with 10.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game over six seasons.
However, his individual brilliance has not elevated his team’s status. The Pelicans made just one postseason appearance since selecting Davis as the no.1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, and it ended with a sweep at the hands of the Golden State Warriors two years ago.
Stumbling Block
Lowe made it clear in his piece that acquiring Davis won’t be a walk in the park for the Celtics.
The Pelicans are still hopeful the twin tower combination of Davis and DeMarcus Cousins will live up to their full potential and lead the franchise to title contention.
Another thing that made any trade idea illogical at the moment is Davis’ contract. The Brow will not be a free agent until the summer of 2021 after signing a five-year contract extension with the Pelicans in 2015.
Big Man Alternative
The Celtics are now in win now mode after several years of playoff experience under Brad Stevens’ tutelage. Anything short of a finals appearance will be considered a disappointment for this proud ball club. Thus, the pressure is heavier than ever for Ainge to further bolster his current roster.
Memphis Grizzlies Big Man Marc Gasol is someone the Celtics would love to acquire if the Davis trade is not available. Gasol, who averaged 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season, could beef up the Celtics’ thfrontlineine and move Horford to his natural power forward position.
Chris Mannix of the Vertical of Yahoo Sports thinks Boston could acquire the Spanish big man by offering the Grizzlies a "ready-made rebuilding package of players and picks.” Memphis is on the brink of rebuilding after losing several core players this summer, including Zach Randolph and Vince Carter.
