Pelicans Set High Asking Price for Anthony Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans have set forth their desires for a trade for six-time All-Star Anthony Davis. Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin is looking to acquire a current All-Star, a future one and two first-round picks in exchange for Davis, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Griffin told teams he prefers to make the trade before the NBA Draft on June 20. To this point, the teams who have inquired about Davis (since the end of the regular season) include the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

Davis wants out of New Orleans after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the franchise (Seth Wenig/AP)

The only team, however, that could deliver a trade package to fit the Pelicans’ massive asking price is the Boston Celtics. They could offer Gordon Hayward or Al Horford (assuming he opts into the final year of his contract), Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum and two of the three first-round selections they own for the upcoming draft in a potential deal. Problem is, the Celtics will be hesitant to give away all these assets for Davis—an unrestricted free agent after next season—unless they can agree on a long-term extension with All-Star Guard Kyrie Irving, who could leave Boston in free agency.

Given the unlikelihood that one team can fulfill the Pelicans’ needs, Griffin has made it known he is open to multi-team trade scenarios that could redirect assets for players or draft selections, according to Wojnarowski.

The Pelicans plan to build around a nucleus of Jrue Holiday, Zion Williamson (who they plan on selecting with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft) and the assets they acquire in the Davis trade.

Pelicans Lose Davis to Injury, Beat Thunder

Anthony Davis left Thursday night’s home contest versus the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left shoulder injury, but the New Orleans Pelicans managed to secure an upset win.

Without Davis, forward Julius Randle and guard Jrue Holiday led the way. Randle finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Holiday had 32 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the 131-122 victory. Holiday defended Thunder All-Star forward Paul George and held him to 11-of-29 shooting—including 3-of-17 from three-point territory. George scored 28 points with seven rebounds, six assists, one blocked shot and one steal.

Davis exited the Smoothie King Center with his agent, Rich Paul, in the second half. MRI results revealed the All-Star suffered a muscle contusion but "nothing too bad," according to ESPN. Davis will get treatment on the shoulder over the next few days. He will see how he feels before deciding whether he can play in Sunday’s All-Star Game in Charlotte.

Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry had no interest in discussing Davis—who publicly requested a trade but was ultimately not dealt before the NBA’s trade deadline—and shifted his focus on his players who carried the team to a victory.

"I'm gonna talk about the guys that play," Gentry said. "They did a great job. We found a way to win the game. That's what's important."

Gentry lauded his players for stepping up and winning a game against one of the best teams in the Western Conference, in spite of all the drama surrounding his squad.

"I'm happy for all of them," Gentry said. "Because to tell you the truth, this whole thing has been a dumpster fire. We want guys to be professional and we want them to do this, but it's hard for guys to go through what they've been through. And to be able to come out and beat a team of that quality, I'm happy for all the guys. I just thought they did a great job."

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook accomplished two incredible feats in the defeat. He increased his triple-double streak to 11 games—an NBA record—by scoring 44 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists. Despite the loss, Oklahoma City is 9-2 during Westbrook’s streak. In addition to increasing his triple-double streak, Westbrook became the all-time leading scorer in Sonics/Thunder franchise history. He surpassed Gary Payton (18,207 points) and now has accumulated 18,247 points in his storied career.