Anthony Davis Staying in New Orleans

Anthony Davis is staying with the New Orleans Pelicans. At least, that is what Alvin Gentry, Pelicans head coach said today, after being asked about the future of one of the best centers in the history of the league.

“No we’re not trading him,” Gentry said to open up his media availability. “We’re not trading him under any circumstance. You can move on from that one.” Gentry told the journalists, a little bit angry you might say.

He then added, that the Lakers superstar made this comment on purpose, being aware that it is against the NBA policy.

“Why is it not tampering if players are saying it? So should we start having (Davis) say, ‘Why don’t we trade for LeBron?'”

All the fuzz broke out after LeBron James publicly stated that he would like to see Davis beside him in the Lakers. In recent times he is desperately looking for another big name who will guide the young players along with him, and turn the purple and gold into a legit championship contender. Many spoke about Carmelo, but that option pretty quickly disappeared.

“That would be amazing,” James told. “That would be amazing, like, duh. That would be incredible.”

"They would become the best duo in the league unless LeBron got Anthony Davis. It would be a dominant, instant championship contender. Probably the championship favorite." — @getnickwright if KD & Kawhi went to Clippers pic.twitter.com/wnWdJd2o6W

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) December 12, 2018

Immediately after this statement, rumors emerged about a potential trade between the two franchises, which would send the Eyebrow to LA.

Now, LBJ’s public call to AD was not welcomed among many GM’s in the league, who were saying that many rules were violated in this case.

The rules of the NBA are strict in this case. Any player who tries to make a move in order to persuade another individual who is under a contract shall be charged on tampering.

For smaller franchises, James’ action was something which set the alarm off, as any of them could experience the same faith as the Pelicans did in the last few days.

“It’s New Orleans’ problem today, and a problem with a different player tomorrow for the rest of us,”

James and Davis share the same agency which represents them, and that is one more link between these two guys. His current contract is valid until the next season, although with a player option for the 2020-2021 campaign. Davis’ salary is more than $27 million for the upcoming year, which means that the Lakers have to make room on the payroll for the flamboyant’s center arrival.

Kyle Kuzma was allegedly included in trade talks, some future first-round picks too, but there was no official confirmation about any of the rumors we heard over the past few days.

The @Lakers should be willing to give up literally everyone not named LeBron for Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/vZlSeKVJv1

— Max Kellerman (@maxkellerman) December 19, 2018

Davis is playing superbly since the start of this campaign, posting 28 points, 12.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals. Truly, numbers worthy of NBA MVP award. Still, his Pelicans are struggling and are outside the playoff zone. With 15 wins and 17 losses they are 13th in the West, with a tendency to stay like that.

After Boogie Cousins went for Oakland all the hopes for some better future in Big Easy disappeared. Many fans and members of the organizations hoped to create a new Twin Tower duo, which might produce some noticeable results, but that all collapsed when Cousins decided to leave.

This season has been like the majority of the previous ones, with Davis dominating, and the team underachieving, being outside of the playoffs race.

LeBron James might have sensed some frustration which bothers Davis, and decided to react, even if that meant for him to be punished.

The stake is high, one of the best players in the last 10 years, which means the title is in combination.

And that is something he craves for.