While folks on the East Coast were getting ready for work this morning, Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a bomb of epic proportions regarding Anthony Davis.
Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019
AD has been the focus of NBA trade rumors for years, but this new development makes it a very realistic possibility that the Pelicans' franchise big man will be dealt.
Not surprisingly, odds have been posted for where he'll land.
Odds to Land Anthony Davis
Where will Anthony Davis play in Game 1 of the 2019-20 season?
- Lakers: -125
- Celtics: +150
- Pelicans: +600
- Knicks: +850
- 76ers: +850
With the Lakers the odds-on favorite, there are even odds posted for who the Pelicans will get in return if he is dealt to them.
- Brandon Ingram: -500
- Lonzo Ball: -300
- Kyle Kuzma: -300
- Josh Hart: -200
- Ivica Zubac: -200
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: -175
- Rajon Rondo: -115
- Lance Stephenson: +200
- Michael Beasley: +300
- Tyson Chandler: +500
- Javale McGee: +500
That's a lot of players with greater than a 50% implied probability…
Hearing from sources if Lakers want Anthony Davis, who has requested a trade, LA has to start the deal with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac, No. 1 pick.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 28, 2019
Though there's still time to make a deal this season before the trade deadline, it may not be in the Pelicans' best interest. The Celtics, who are essentially the only other team with the necessary assets and potential desire to trade for Davis, can't trade for him until July 1.
With that in mind, the Lakers would probably be the only team putting together a decent offer this year. If New Orleans waits, it could get a better package in return if the Lakers and Celtics begin to bid against each other.
Further ruining Pelicans fans' day is the fact that there are also relocation odds out for the team.
Here are odds for where the Pelicans could end up if the team moves by the 2020-21 season.
- Seattle: +300
- Orange County, CA: +300
- Vancouver: +350
- Las Vegas: +400
- Mexico City: +400
- San Diego: +1500
- Louisville: +1500
- Kansas City, MO: +1600
Could another professional sports team be on its way to Vegas? Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Regardless, this hasn't been a good week for New Orleans sports fans.
Stay tuned for more analysis on this developing news.
