As far as the Los Angeles Lakers are concerned, they’ve earned a brief reprieve from the Anthony Davis saga. But for the New Orleans Pelicans, the fallout of Davis’ trade request continues to wreak havoc.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this morning that the Pelicans fired general manager Dell Demps after nine seasons running the team. Owner Gayle Benson is looking to shake things up, according to Woj:
Gayle Benson is telling associates she wants an overhaul of the Pelicans and a search for a GM to take command of Davis trade talks and the reshaping of team’s future.
Davis played in the Pelicans’ 131-120 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, but left the game with a shoulder injury before leaving the arena prior to the game’s conclusion.
The events that led to Davis’ trade demand at the end of January were what cost Demps his job rather than the events of the past two weeks.
Given the questions about the ownership structure in New Orleans –with the owners also owning the NFL’s Saints — it is fair to consider why Demps made a lot of win-now moves during Davis’ tenure. The Pelicans also have the league’s most scrutinized training staff because it also works for the Saints.
