Recent NBA trade rumors have included the name of Anthony Davis in various fake trades. Will it really happen?
Even credible sports sites have begun to discuss the possibility. ESPN on its part has reported the Unibrow's frustration as quoted by Justin Verrier.
"Definitely frustrating," Davis said. "We can't get a win. It's frustrating. I'm not worried about last year," Davis said. "I'm focused on this year, trying to get a win. But it's frustrating. Whatever we need to do, we need to do it fast."
That report was posted when the Pelicans sported a 0-4 record. The team has lost their three subsequent games, dropping to a league worst 0-7. One can only imagine how Davis feels now.
While the discussion on "last year" was merely about their failure to make the playoffs and Davis' extended absence due to injury, there is an underlying issue. Davis was not named to any All-NBA team-a prerequisite to qualify for the "Derrick Rose Rule," causing him to lose $24 million on his maximum contract extension.
Davis is acknowledged as one of the best players in the NBA and many assume that he could easily make an All-NBA team if he were on a more successful (or even more popular) team. While this may be a minor issue, it could pile up on his list of frustrations.
Top NBA scribe of SB Nation, Tom Ziller has aired his warning on the Pelicans precarious situation. Citing the failures of GM Dell Demps (signing Omer Asik to a huge contract and failing to keep veterans Trevor Ariza, Al Farouq-Aminu (and recently Ryan Anderson) Ziller doubts whether the current front office can make the right adjustments to form a decent team around Davis.
The biggest fear is when the frustration mounts and Davis demands a trade. Ziller believes it won't happen. "Davis isn't going to do this, and New Orleans wouldn't likely comply if he did."
However, Davis in a losing team is such a waste and ESPN Insider David Thorpe entertained the possibility of a trade. He named Davis as part of an elite group of "game changers on tragically flawed teams" and their possible trade is "a storyline to watch."
It's no longer unimaginable to picture an Anthony Davis trade as players, specifically superstars have repeatedly flexed their influence. DeMarcus Cousins may go first since his contract expires three years sooner, but Davis doesn't have the issues that Boogie carries. A team with assets won't hesitate to throw a Godfather offer for the Unibrow and if he wants out, the Pelicans may have no choice.