The 2018-19 NBA trade deadline is approaching, and basketball fans have not been disappointed.  The NBA market has been erupting with news and drama from teams around the league.  We will take a dive into the biggest headline of the week.

Anthony Davis Requests Trade out of New Orleans

On Monday, January 28th Anthony Davis informed his agent that he wants to be traded away from the New Orleans Pelicans.  Davis’ agent Rich Paul notified the Pelicans organization on Monday that Davis wishes to be traded.  Paul also informed the organization that Davis’ preferred destination would be the Los Angeles Lakers.  Anthony Davis is under contract until the summer of 2020, and will be eligible for the league’s top contract, the supermax contract of $240 million for 5 years.  Davis has also made it clear that no matter where he is traded, he intends to sign on with the Lakers in 2020.

Anthony Davis is one of the league’s premier power forwards AND centers.  The versatile player has averaged about 28 PPG, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a 53 FG%.  Davis is about to play in his sixth all star game in just his seventh season in the league.  There are many potential landing spots for Davis if he is traded.  Here we will look at where he may go:

• Los Angeles Lakers – This is the clear location for Davis to be traded to.  Davis has made it clear the LA is where he wants to play for years to come.  If traded, he would be playing alongside Lebron James.  The Lakers would have what would most likely be the most dominant front court in the NBA, possibly in NBA history.  Lakers former player and current GM Magic Johnson has expressed great interest in Davis and has offered a hefty trade to the Pelicans.  His offer; point guard Lonzo Ball, forwards Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, center Ivica Zubac and a first-round pick for Davis.  This is a offer for Davis, but Pelicans GM Dell Demps wants more.  A potential counter offer from the Pelicans could be another first round pick included, and possibly point guard Rajon Rondo.
• Boston Celtics – The Celtics are always around when it comes to potential trades in the NBA.  GM Danny Ainge has also expressed much interest in Anthony Davis, both in the past and present with the current trade request.  It has been rumored that Ainge would be “willing to offer anyone on the team except for point guard Kyrie Irving.”  This rumor came from an unknown source within the Celtics management.  The possible trade offer could include forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, point guard Terry Rozier, and a first round pick from either Sacramento or Memphis.  This offer could be tabled, as both the Kings and Grizzlies have had a rejuvenated season.  For the Celtics, this is dicey as they would be trading their bright, young future, for Davis who may possibly leave for LA the following summer.  The Celtics believe that they would be able to convince Davis to sign on a supermax, if they have Irving sign an extension.
• New Orleans Pelicans – GM Dell Demps has all the reason to sit on Davis for the rest of the season.  This would allow for the Pelicans to have time to debate the pros and cons of each offer.  As there are only four days left until the deadline, Demps would most likely want to take more time to receive all offers for Davis.  The Pelicans would be able to realize the most value for the franchise’s top player.

Any possible trade of Davis could erode the NBA’s top team makeup.  No matter where “The Brow” goes, he will be an all-star.  Until February 7th at 3:00 PM ET, we will have to wait to see what the Pelicans organization does.