Let the games begin.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have engaged in trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans in an effort to acquire perennial All-Star Anthony Davis. Wojnarowski also notes that the Lakers are using the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft as a trade chip in potential multi-team deals as they attempt to secure a “high-level player.”
Realistically, for Boston to have any chance of completing a deal for Davis, 21-year-old forward Jayson Tatum has to be a part of the deal. With the Pelicans also requiring teams to send a current All-Star along with a player with All-Star potential, it’s likely that the ever-reliable and versatile Al Horford also be included in a deal. Holding three first-round picks in the middle of the upcoming draft, the Celtics will have no trouble satisfying New Orleans’ demand of two first-round picks.
If that’s not enough, look for one of Jaylen Brown or Marcus Smart to be a part of the deal, though Boston will be reluctant to give up either with their need to surrender Tatum. Yet, with Horford already 33-years-old, the Pelicans could very well expect another young piece.
Should the Celtics prove successful in trade talks, they’ll be gutting the core of the team for a player who doesn’t appear all too interested in remaining long-term. Clearly, Ainge is hoping Boston becomes what the Toronto Raptors are to Kawhi Leonard or the Oklahoma City Thunder all to Paul George.
If this backfires on Ainge, it won’t cripple the franchise, as there’s a possibility that he can sign marquee free agents next offseason. However, the Celtics will need to start from scratch and already have a solid core that he could build around.
