Anthony Davis Requests A Trade From The New Orleans Pelicans, Has His Eyes Set On An NBA Championship

By Jordan Long

The NBA trade deadline is on February 7^th.  There is one “superstar” who has announced he would like to be traded, New Orleans Pelicans’ power forward Anthony Davis.  Davis is in the last year of his contract before he hits free agency this summer and told the Pelicans he won’t re-sign with them.

                Davis has been with New Orleans since they drafted him in 2012.  He has been one of their top players.  This season Davis is averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.  Even though those are respectable stats, the Pelicans sit at 22-28 and are 6 games behind the L.A. Clippers for the 8^th and final playoffs spot.  They are in danger of missing the postseason.  They have made the playoffs twice with him and only advanced to the 2^nd round once which was last year before being knocked out by the Golden State Warriors.

                According to ESPN, Davis’ agent Rich Paul said, “Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship. Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”

                There are going to be plenty of teams interested in acquiring Davis.  On offense, he is difficult to guard because of his size at 6 foot 10 inches.  When Davis is in the paint, he makes layups or easy jump shots.  Defenders try to put a hand in his face but it doesn’t bother him.  Davis will also grab  rebounds and put them back for second chance points, not allowing anybody to box him out.

                On the defensive end, Davis grabs rebounds to try to start fast break points.  This also keeps the opponents off the scoreboard.  When an offensive player tries to go up for easy baskets, he is there to swat the ball away for blocks.

                Davis would be an improvement for any team on offense and defense.  The problem with trying to trade for him is it could be a rental.  If the franchise fails to make a deep run in the postseason, Davis would be able to pick whatever team he wants to suit up for next season. Davis can agree to a supermax deal which is 5 years, worth $240 million.  Hopefully the Pelicans will receive something back for him, even if it is a few 1^st round draft picks. e