Anthony Davis has been one of the best players in basketball since he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 Draft. Taken by the New Orleans Pelicans, he has made the team relevant.
Davis is a five-time All-Star, an All-Star Game MVP after scoring a record 52 points, and a member of three All-NBA First Teams.
Despite his accolades, the Pelicans never found themselves as a legitimate title contender and that frustrated Davis. In January, with over a year left on his contract, he formally requested a trade and it shook the NBA.
Where could he land? Could he be the difference for a team close to a championship?
These are the places we think he could end up.
Lakers
This is the most likely option for Anthony Davis. He recently changed his agent to Rich Paul, who is also famously the agent of LeBron James. Los Angeles fans are clamoring at the idea of putting two of the best players in the league together. That combination is brimming with potential and it could be the formula to dethrone the mighty Golden State Warriors.
Rumors say a trade package to land Davis would have to include young stars like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Ivica Zubac and a draft pick. And that’s just a start. It’s a lot to give up.
Knicks
Anthony Davis has made it clear that he wants to go to a team that will be a contender. That’s not a word associated with the New York Knicks over the past two or so decades. However, there’s something special about the big city lights of New York.
The idea behind this move is that acquiring a star of Davis’ caliber will entice other big names to flock to the Knicks, making a new super team. A trade would most likely have to include rookie stud Kevin Knox, some draft picks, and the Knicks’ leading scorer, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Raptors
Who would the @Raptors have to deal to acquire @AntDavis23?
pic.twitter.com/tZIHtIapUX
— BarDown (@BarDown) January 29, 2019
Here’s what might be the most interesting spot for Anthony Davis. The Toronto Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard in the offseason and improved on a team that was already the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Making a move for Davis would give them an almost unmatched 1-2 punch.
To get Davis, they would most likely have to part with Pascal Siakam, who has been one of the keys to their success this season. It’s a longshot that the team would do this, but it’s certainly something to think about.
Clippers
The Lakers aren’t the only Los Angeles based squad in the hunt for Anthony Davis’ services. Don’t count out the Clippers. The eternal little brother to the Lakers could swoop in and steal Davis for themselves. They have the assets like rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, blossoming star Tobias Harris, and draft picks.
They’re also highly competitive and being a member of the Clippers doesn’t come with the pressures of playing alongside LeBron James. Some players have already voiced their feelings on wanting to avoid that media circus.
Trail Blazers
For years, the Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the more consistent teams in the league. They’re always very good, but never quite great. The NBA’s Western Conference feels like an open book other than the Warriors. Portland can add Anthony Davis and secure their spot as the number two team out West.
Damian Lillard and Davis could even possibly contend for the top spot. Shooting guards CJ McCollum and Seth Curry would probably have to be included in the deal, but Portland may still have enough to be a threat.