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1Where will Anthony Davis end up? An Athletic Roundtable discussion
2Let the Anthony Davis sweepstakes begin!
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4The superstar forward and his agent, Rich Paul, informed the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday that Davis will not sign a five-year, $240 million contract extension with the team over the summer and he would like to be traded.
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6Many around the league have been anticipating Davis becoming available at some point, but the day has finally arrived and there will be teams lining up to acquire one of the top players in the NBA.
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8The Pelicans were hoping to convince Davis to stick around after their improbable playoff run last season despite the loss of star center DeMarcus Cousins, but New Orleans has been an utter disappointment this year and currently sits at No. 13 in the Western Conference standings with a 22-28 record.
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10There are 29 other teams in the league that would love to add a once-in-a-generation talent like Davis to their roster, but getting him won't be so easy.
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12The Pelicans will surely be looking for a sizable haul in return in a potential trade, and with Davis likely to opt out of his current contract following the 2019-20 season, most teams would only be willing to give up that kind of assets if they believed Davis wanted to sign a new deal with them once his current one runs out.
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14Davis, 25, has only made two playoff appearances during the first six seasons of his career, but he's widely considered one of the most talented power forwards the game has ever seen and he's produced at an elite level almost since the day he entered the league.
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16Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks will almost certainly be doing all they can to acquire Davis in an effort to resurrect their respective franchises, while the Boston Celtics have been infamously piling up assets for years with hopes of trading for Davis once he was ready to leave New Orleans.
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18The Celtics cannot trade for Davis until the summer because he and Boston guard Kyrie Irving are both currently signed to designated player rookie extensions and NBA rules prohibit two players under those contracts from being on the same team.
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20There have been rumors about squads like the Philadelphia 76ers or the Toronto Raptors potentially getting involved in trade talks for Davis, and the noise surrounding his next destination won't stop until New Orleans finally pulls the trigger on a deal.
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22Wonder what your team's chances are of landing Davis? We've asked our beat writers from the other 29 NBA teams to weigh in on the Davis trade potential when it comes to the team they cover, judging the potential with: No Chance, or A Chance. They judged based on the assets each team has to offer, cap space and the likelihood Davis would be open to signing a new contract there.
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24Atlanta Hawks: No Chance
25Davis wants to play for a championship contender, and the Hawks are nowhere close to being that just yet. Plus, you'd have to do the deal thinking Davis would re-sign with the organization when his current deal is up after the 2020-21 season, which he likely wouldn't. Hawks GM Travis Schlenk recently acknowledged to The Athletic that the only way for the team to get a marquee player on this roster is to show that the Hawks can win a championship. For those reasons, acquiring Davis now wouldn't make sense.
26— Chris Kirschner
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28Boston Celtics: A Chance
29The timing of Davis' demand could hurt Boston, but the team will have one of the most compelling offers if the Pelicans are willing to wait until the summer to trade him. The Celtics have the type of young talent and future picks New Orleans should want, especially if Danny Ainge intends to put Jayson Tatum into trade negotiations. But, for now, the Celtics are hamstrung by the collective bargaining agreement, which precludes them from pairing Davis with Kyrie Irving while both players are on their current contracts.
30— Jay King
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32Brooklyn Nets: A Chance
33Theoretically, the Nets can offer Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, either Allen Crabbe or DeMarre Carroll and a first-round pick to the Pelicans in a potential trade offer for Davis now. LeVert is eligible for restricted free agency in 2020 while Allen is eligible for restricted free agency the following summer. Crabbe has an $18.5 million player option for next season. Carroll will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Allen would replace Davis as the long-term center for New Orleans. LeVert would be the wing upgrade the Pelicans have searched for on the trade market before Davis' trade request. Carroll would represent a veteran locker room presence and cap relief going forward. Crabbe would make sense for New Orleans if the Pelicans felt they could get him back on track and retain him for next season if he opts into his deal.
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35From Brooklyn's perspective, Allen and LeVert have been core pieces of the long-term plan and are the crown jewels of general manager Sean Marks' first two draft classes. Would the Nets sacrifice their young foundational pieces for a superstar in Davis now? What if they get the sense they can re-sign Davis and have a strong inclination they can land another maximum-salary superstar to pair with him this summer? After making strategic moves throughout his tenure, Marks would be making a change in thinking. However, he's always said you never know what can happen and to always need to be prepared. A talent like Davis, with the potential to land another superstar, could be the type of maneuver that shifts Brooklyn's thinking. Keep in mind a lot of variables are in play here, but as Jim Carrey once said in "Dumb and Dumber": "So you're telling me there's a chance."
36- Michael Scotto
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38Charlotte Hornets: No Chance
39The Hornets are no closer to competing for a championship than the Pelicans, and Charlotte doesn't possess any assets the Pelicans would covet. The Hornets also don't have much cap space and must trade a bloated contract to even be able to get into the game. They would have to somehow shed Nic Batum's contract — which has two years and $52.6 million remaining if he exercises his 2020-21 player option — and/or the pact of Bismack Biyombo, who will likely exercise his $17 million player option for next season. Plus, the Hornets are essentially a one-man show with Kemba Walker, making it difficult to think Davis would commit to playing here long term.
40— Rod Boone
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42Cleveland Cavaliers: No Chance
43Unless the Pelicans want Kevin Love and his creaky body, there is nothing the Cavs could offer that could bring them back Davis in a trade. For the sake of discussion, though, the Cavs could offer Love and rookie Collin Sexton for Davis and it would pretty much work from a monetary perspective. But Love has missed nearly 100 games over the last three seasons due to injury, and will start a four-year, $120 million extension next season. The Cavs, meanwhile, would almost surely be facing the prospect of trading Davis next year or lose him to free agency for nothing. So, no, this isn't happening.
44— Joe Vardon
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46Chicago Bulls: A Slim Chance
47Forget about the sullied reputation of John Paxson and Gar Forman, set aside Jim Boylen's questionable coaching tactics and focus for a moment on assets. When you look around the league at who has them, you can't help but notice the Bulls are among the teams armed with the type of goods it would take to pry Davis from the Pelicans. The problem for the Bulls is deciphering how much of the farm to part with and whether doing so without any assurance Davis would re-sign in Chicago is worth the gamble. Few have faith the Bulls' culture would entice Davis to commit long term to his hometown team.
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49But the Bulls could offer a sweet little package. They have second-year forward Lauri Markkanen, rookie center Wendell Carter Jr. and a soon-to-be 24-year-old Zach LaVine, a 23-point-per-game scorer on a relatively team-friendly contract. Now throw in their 2019 draft pick, which offers a chance at Zion Williamson. It might not be the best haul available, but it's an intriguing one for a team on the verge of losing the game's pre-eminent frontcourt player and being forced to reset. While no one really expects Davis to land in Chicago, the Bulls have spent the past two years positioning themselves to have a seat at the table when a day like this arrived. The moment they've waited for is here.
50— Darnell Mayberry
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52Dallas Mavericks: No Chance
53In a vacuum, Davis is one of two, maybe three players the Dallas Mavericks could justifiably trade Luka Doncic for, straight up. But that won't happen. Not only has Doncic progressed too quickly, but also his rookie scale contract makes him the more valuable asset than one-and-a-half years of Davis at a much higher payment slot. You also couldn't guarantee Davis would re-sign, and that he wouldn't just sprint to Los Angeles when we reach summer 2020 anyway. Doncic-for-Davis is mostly a thought exercise, an interesting concept to consider in the context of team building. It is not something Dallas will seriously consider.
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55Without Doncic being available, the Mavericks' remaining roster simply can't compete in a bidding war. Dennis Smith Jr. paired with Harrison Barnes, Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith and literally any assortment of picks could work mathematically, but New Orleans will have more appealing offers. More realistic, though still unlikely, is Dallas getting involved as a third team for a point guard. If Davis is dealt, then there's a good chance the Pelicans will begin a fire sale, one that would start with Jrue Holiday. Another Davis suitor will be the Boston Celtics, and through a CBA provision, they cannot trade for Davis until July 1 unless they deal Kyrie Irving. That said, all reports seem to indicate the Celtics aren't going to rush this transaction, and dealing Irving to a third team to obtain Davis is unlikely. While either point guard would be fantastic fits next to Doncic, neither option seems all that likely at the moment.
56— Tim Cato
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58Denver Nuggets: A Chance
59Infinitesimal a chance though it may be, Denver does have a treasure trove of talented young players on reasonable contracts, a prerequisite for any team trying to pique the interest of the New Orleans front office. Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly was the assistant general manager for the Pelicans before arriving in Denver and still has strong connections with the organization. Still, the Nuggets already have a soon-to-be All-Star center in Nikola Jokic and the last time Denver tried a two-big lineup, with Jusuf Nurkic, it didn't work. That history would at least play a part in the process for the Nuggets.
60— Nick Kosmider
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62Detroit Pistons: No Chance
63In the small chance that New Orleans wants to remain competitive and have a proven star to appease a scarce fan base, Detroit could offer Blake Griffin, who has multiple years left on his contract. Detroit could then begin its rebuilding process sooner.
64— James Edwards III
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66Golden State Warriors: A Slim Chance
67The NBA's biggest nightmare is an unlikely one. The Warriors have whispered about their interest in Davis for years. Rich Paul's been spotted chatting it up with Bob Myers at recent games. Davis has called Oracle his favorite arena and, yes, I think the Warriors would fulfill his requirement of joining a winner. But the timing/assets make it near impossible. They have no interest in breaking up the core mid-title run, but, even if they did, the only reasonable offer — Klay Thompson and Draymond Green on the table — shouldn't appeal to the Pelicans. Klay's a free agent this summer, Draymond the summer after that. Both would probably walk. Not the sharpest way to jumpstart a rebuild.
68— Anthony Slater
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70Houston Rockets: A Slim Chance
71A Rockets executive once told me, "If he's good, we're interested," in regard to their yearly pursuit of talent. The way the Jimmy Butler saga played out in the public showed the lengths that Daryl Morey was willing to go to in an attempt to salvage a season that was slipping away. With Davis available, Houston will definitely place a call. I'd figure any conversation with New Orleans would have to start with Clint Capela, Eric Gordon and multiple picks. And that might just even be to get a text back from Dell Demps. Houston's cap, which is somewhat top heavy already, would become even more tied up once you pencil in the $55 million Davis can earn in the next two seasons. And for New Orleans, do you really want to trade a top-5 talent to a team you'd see four times a year for eternity? Demps would essentially sign his marching orders with a move like that. From a basketball perspective though, this is a God's dream. The Beard and The Brow makes more an excellent marketing campaign, for starters. The Rockets would finally have the Big 3 they've been looking for since Chris Paul took his talents to Clutch City. Harden and Capela pick-and-rolls are deadly enough, but teams this year have adjusted defenses to prevent giving up 6-8 lobs a night. But with Davis, all those plans are null and void. AD is just as capable at putting the ball on the floor and creating his own offense, and doesn't have to wait for a guard to get the ball from him from 15 feet out.
72— Kelly Iko
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74Indiana Pacers: No Chance
75The Pacers have the cap space and are seeking another star to pair alongside Victor Oladipo. They have assets that could interest New Orleans, including bigs Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. They also possess all of their first-round picks. Although the Pacers offer stability, support and on-court success, big-time players haven't seriously considered playing in this small market. They've had to be drafted and developed. This comes down to the likelihood of Davis re-signing in 2020 with an emphasis on the chance to compete for a championship (finally!). Because Davis owns that power, the Pacers likely won't be a player.
76— Scott Agness
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78LA Clippers: A Chance
79Teams will only pillage their assets to acquire Davis, a generational talent and the best big man since Tim Duncan, if they feel like they have a legitimate shot to re-sign him once he hits free agency. That eliminates roughly three-fourths of the league. The Clippers are in the remaining group, capable of selling Davis on the same narrative they'll pitch star free agents this offseason: Come to Los Angeles, the basketball capital of the world, and play for the richest owner in U.S. professional sports, a beloved coach and a competent front office. In almost scenario in which they acquire Davis, the Clippers will still have enough cap space to sign at least one star in free agency (and potentially even two). The Clippers will prioritize keeping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Tobias Harris in any trade offer, but they can make their version of a motherload offer with Harris, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jerome Robinson and their next available first-round pick (which would convey in 2021 or 2022, depending on when they send their owed first round pick to Boston). They aren't the threat that the Lakers, Celtics or Knicks are to acquire Davis, but they're in the next tier.
80— Jovan Buha
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82Los Angeles Lakers: A Chance
83Rich Paul knows what pressure points to push to get what he wants, and his latest efforts feel very much like a maneuver to get Davis to the Lakers. Now outside the playoff picture because of the 16 games LeBron James has missed with a strained groin, the Lakers are likely as motivated as ever to land James his second star. After playing it conservative when it came to potential trades for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, it makes sense that the Lakers would be more comfortable parting with some combination of their young core of Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac. Yes, Zubac gets "young core" treatment after averaging 19 points and 9.4 rebounds over his last five games. Davis has been linked to LeBron James and the Lakers since even before he signed with Paul's Klutch Sports Group last summer. The potential union gained steam in December when James told ESPN he would like to play with Davis. The Lakers interest in Davis, and vice versa, is not in question. What is in doubt, however, is whether Paul can generate enough chaos to convince the Pelicans to make a trade before Feb. 7 rather than riding out the discomfort into the offseason when more (and possibly better) options become available.
84— Bill Oram
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86Memphis Grizzlies: A Slim Chance
87The Grizzlies have the assets to pull such a trade off. They could offer a package centered around expiring contracts. They could offer Marc Gasol, who has a player option this summer worth more than $25 million, or Mike Conley, who is under contract through 2021, straight up. They could even dangle Chandler Parsons, though it's tough to see why the Pelicans would be interested. It really comes down to what each organization is prioritizing. If the Grizzlies wish to rebuild, they won't be interested. If the Pelicans wish to rebuild, they won't need Conley or Gasol and will likely want a first-round draft pick or promising young player, which they probably won't get from Memphis. It's tough to see a trade happening here, but you never know.
88— Omari Sankofa II
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90Miami Heat: A Chance
91The Heat would need to make a major trade in the offseason to even have a chance at landing Davis. They do not have the cap space to sign him as a free agent because of huge contracts owed to Hassan Whiteside, Tyler Johnson and Goran Dragic, who are locked in until 2020. They would likely have to unload at least one of them and perhaps offer some combination of Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow or Bam Adebayo. A move as such would leave the Heat without some of the young talent they invested in the last four years. Even if they reel in Davis, they still would be a ways from becoming a contender after giving up so much. Still, don't count out the Heat. Team president Pat Riley has often said he is comfortable chasing "a whale" in the offseason. It worked in 2010 when they scooped up LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Anything is possible when salary cap master Andy Elisburg, the Heat's general manager, is on board.
92— Shandel Richardson
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94Milwaukee Bucks: No Chance
95The Bucks would love to pair another superstar with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but unfortunately their roster isn't really built to acquire an asset like Davis. The entirety of their starting lineup outside of Antetokounmpo needs a new contract after this upcoming season, which decreases their value because of uncertain futures. Their young guys on rookie contracts are contributing this season, but appear more likely to be role players than superstars. Their first-round picks are tied up in protections for the next couple years. Simply put, the Bucks can't really put together the type of package you'd need to acquire Davis.
96— Eric Nehm
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98Minnesota Timberwolves: No Chance
99The Wolves will not be trading for Davis. The only real asset they have that could entice the Pelicans to give them consideration is Karl-Anthony Towns, and there is no way they should even think about making him available when they already have KAT locked up on a five-year deal that kicks in next season while Davis can be a free agent in 2020. That said, the Wolves did have substantive conversations with the Pelicans during the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. Those talks included discussions involving Nikola Mirotic and E'Twuan Moore, sources told The Athletic. So if the Pelicans were to consider a fire sale of other assets like Mirotic, Moore or Jrue Holiday, maybe there would be some talks to be had.
100— Jon Krawczynski
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102New York Knicks: A Chance
103New York gets thrown into any conversation about a star player moving. Historically, it has rarely (Carmelo, and who else?) worked out. Do they have a chance to get Davis? Yes. Will it be difficult? Yes. And not just because they don't have any ties to LeBron James — actually they have a pretty difficult past with James, which may or may not hurt them depending on how involved you think he is with Klutch Sports. Davis wants to go a title contender, which the Knicks are not. Trading for him would move them further away from that too. But if the Pelicans make a deal based on best return, New York could get into the fray with a package including Kristaps Porzingis if it so chooses. Or its first-round pick this June (and maybe Kevin Knox). The Knicks have chips that could make them competitive. But would they want to use them after preaching patience for so long. But the point of being patient is to acquire talents like Davis.
104- Mike Vorkunov
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106Oklahoma City Thunder: A Slim Chance
107The Thunder would seem unlikely suitors for Davis, but as long as general manager Sam Presti is in charge, they're hard to dismiss. OKC was the longest of long shots to win the Paul George sweepstakes in 2017, but did it, then retained him in free agency. Landing Davis is even less likely, given the assets at Presti's disposal — the next first-round pick he can trade now is in 2024 — but there's a potential path there. Would the Pelicans be intrigued by a package centered on Steven Adams? And would the Thunder be willing to move a cornerstone in Adams to acquire another superstar with no guarantee of long-term commitment? It all seems highly unlikely. But with Presti, it's hard to call it impossible.
108— Brett Dawson
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110Orlando Magic: No Chance
111Yes, the Magic desperately need a superstar. And yes, with their own future draft picks at their disposal and with youngsters Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon in the fold, the Magic have the assets that could intrigue the Pelicans. That said, acquiring Davis would be a major risk for Orlando. Davis' agent told ESPN that Davis wants to go to a franchise where he can "win consistently and compete for a championship." At this moment, the Magic are not a title contender. Therefore, wouldn't the Magic be in the same precarious position the Pelicans are in now: with a disgruntled superstar who informs you he has no desire to extend his contract? The Magic's long-term plan most likely is to grow through a combination of the draft and through developing Bamba, Isaac and Gordon.
112—Josh Robbins
113
114Philadelphia 76ers: A Slim Chance
115This would more accurately be defined as "a tiny chance." The Sixers already have plenty to evaluate through the trade deadline and into the offseason, most importantly Jimmy Butler's long-term fit. Any serious involvement in Davis trade talks would likely hinge on their willingness to make Ben Simmons available. That's a tough sell, even if Simmons' well-chronicled reluctance to shoot from the perimeter doesn't make for the perfect on-court marriage with Joel Embiid. Simmons and Davis also have the same agent, Rich Paul. Considering the early success building around Simmons and Embiid, along with the fact that Simmons is still on his rookie deal, it seems unlikely that the Sixers would get involved. But considering Davis' rare level of talent and New Orleans' desperate situation, it's probably unwise to rule it out entirely.
116— Rich Hofmann
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118Phoenix Suns: No Chance
119Devin Booker said he wants a super team to form in Phoenix, and AD would certainly put a massive jolt in the Suns' painfully long rebuild. But Phoenix's situation is exactly the opposite of what Davis wants, so it's not worth fantasizing about how he would fit alongside Booker, Deandre Ayton and ... somebody ... playing point guard. Next!
120— Gina Mizell
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122Portland Trail Blazers: No Chance
123It's highly unlikely the Blazers would pursue an in-season trade for Davis, simply because chances are he would be a rental. Financially, they could do a straight-up trade with either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum, but Lillard's value to the franchise goes beyond what he does on the court and New Orleans would laugh at a McCollum-for-Davis swap. If New Orleans wanted a center in return, the Blazers could package Jusuf Nurkic ($11.1 million in first year of 4-year, $48 million deal) and promising youngster Zach Collins ($3.6 million) and the Pelicans' pick of Maurice Harkless or Meyers Leonard. Again, the options for both sides are unappealing.
124— Jason Quick
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126Sacramento Kings: A Slim Chance
127Would the Kings part with any De'Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, Buddy Hield and more for Davis? If so, there's a chance. Only problem is what happens in a year when Davis is now on a team that's worse than the one he was on in New Orleans? That would lead to a reboot of the rebuild (again). The Kings do not have a draft pick in this year's NBA Draft, so they can't offer that either. They can go chasing Davis, but sticking to the youngsters is the most logical action.
128— Jason Jones
129
130San Antonio Spurs: No Chance
131The Spurs, like every team in the NBA, would love a talent like Davis. The likelihood of actually acquiring his services via trade are slim, though. And here's why: If the Pelicans do decide that attempting to talk Davis out of his trade demands would be futile, what would they want in return to make a deal? More than likely, young talent and draft picks. The Spurs would also have to make money work—Davis is making roughly $25 million this season—in any trade. That means talking the Pelicans into taking on a contract like Pau Gasol, and young talent like Derrick White and perhaps first-round pick Lonnie Walker. Would the Pelicans do that type of deal? Can former Spurs front office executive and current Pelicans GM Dell Demps be persuaded to do business with his old bosses, Gregg Popovich, and RC Buford, and trade Davis within the division?
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133On paper, the trio of Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan, added to a roster featuring Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, Marco Belinelli, and a coach like Popovich — it sounds fantastic. And it would undoubtedly propel the Spurs into championship contenders. But again, the chances the Spurs can create a trade package that would satisfy the Pelicans — unlikely. The Spurs just don't have the pieces that would suffice. And if they did, would it be worth parting with young talent to get Davis who may not re-sign with the Spurs. But enter in all the names in ESPN's trade machine all you want. Have fun with it. Maybe even force the deal on the NBA 2K19 video game. In reality, though, the Spurs are out of the mix. They might call, as most teams should, to see what it'll take. But that conversation will probably be quick. Davis in a Spurs uniform — I can't see it occurring.
134— Jabari Young
135
136Toronto Raptors: A Chance
137The Raptors have already leveraged part of the future for a one-year gamble with July's trade for 2019 free agent Kawhi Leonard. They are fairly in on the present, but could put themselves closer to "all in" status with a trade for any veteran contributor. Obviously, a move for Davis would qualify — and then some. If they decide to make an offer, the Raptors would have huge incentive to try to pull off the trade before the Feb. 7 deadline: first, they can get into the mix before Boston can, thanks to Kyrie Irving's presence on the Celtics' roster; secondly, they can show Leonard how committed they are to winning before he becomes a free agent. The Raptors probably don't have the pieces to make the offer, but that's what we said before the Spurs said yes to DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected first-round pick.
138— Eric Koreen
139
140Utah Jazz: No Chance
141The only piece that moves the needle for New Orleans in a potential trade for Davis is Rudy Gobert. Here's a hint: The Utah Jazz aren't trading Rudy Gobert. He's just rounding into his prime, he's become a true two-way star this season. He's playing at an All-NBA level, and most important, Gobert has shown strong signs of wanting to be a Jazzman for his entire career. Small market teams can't trade top-15 overall players for a guy — even one as good as Anthony Davis — who will amount to nothing more than an 18-month rental. So, there's no way Anthony Davis will be in a Utah Jazz uniform.
142— Tony Jones
143
144Washington Wizards: No Chance
145Maybe in another universe the Pelicans and Wizards could work out a Davis deal that's centered around Bradley Beal and draft picks, but putting together a package so hefty wouldn't make sense for Washington without any sort of guarantee Davis would stay beyond his 2020 free agency. The Wizards most certainly wouldn't receive such a promise. And thus, it doesn't make sense for a franchise with an already-compromised future to gamble away potential lottery picks so that it can rent Davis for a year or year-and-half in the hopes of simply climbing back to .500, then risk him walking after that.
146— Fred Katz
147
148NBA Draft expert: Wait for the pick!
149The added bonus of waiting on an AD trade for the Pelicans is the No. 1 overall pick. An added complication to the Davis sweepstakes involves lottery reform. In the past, the team that finished with the worst record had a 25 percent chance to have the No. 1 overall pick. This season, that number dwindles to 14 percent as the NBA put into effect reform in order to counteract tanking at the lowest levels of the league. That throws a potential wrench into these proceedings, especially given that big market teams such as New York and Chicago (Davis' hometown) not only sit at the bottom of the league, but also have max cap space potential this summer to add a second star to play with Davis.
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151The Pelicans should wait to make this deal until after the season for a variety of reasons. But the biggest one? Finding out who gets the No. 1 overall pick. Why? Because while there are few stars in the NBA worth trading such an incredibly valuable asset for, Davis certainly qualifies as one of them. And if you're the Pelicans, it's hard to envision adding an asset better than Zion Williamson. Not only does he project to be a terrific, all-star caliber player under team control for seven to nine years, but he'd also continue to make the New Orleans basketball market relevant. Theoretically, the team could make a move now involving an unprotected 2019 pick, but they'd only have a 14 percent chance of getting Williamson (at best) if they did so. And maybe the team who gets No. 1 ends up not being a real player for Davis. Still, it's worth that chance. There are plenty of reasons to wait, but this is the No. 1 reason why for me.
152— Sam Vecenie