The New Orleans Pelicans are planning for their future. They have the first pick of the 2019 draft and a superstar that wants out. The Pelicans are determining the future of their All-star forward Anthony Davis.
On Wednesday, Davis met with the Pelicans’ vice president of basketball operations David Griffin about his future with the team. Both Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski both had reports on the Los Angeles meeting. Wojnarowski also said that both parties will continue a dialogue to determine Davis’ future.
New Orleans star Anthony Davis and Pels EVP David Griffin met this morning in Los Angeles and are expected to continue a dialogue moving forward, league sources tell ESPN. Griffin is making his case to AD on a future with the Pelicans. Davis can be a free agent next summer.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2019
Towards the end of the regular season, the Pelicans hired Griffin as their executive vice president of basketball operations. He represented the Pelicans at the lottery as they won the first pick of the draft. Griffin represented his team as they had a 6 percent chance of winning the first pick. Yet, the Pelicans won the pick over teams with better odds such as the Knicks or Suns. Now, the Pelicans have the chance to draft Duke phenom Zion Williamson.
After the draft lottery, Griffin declared his intention of convincing Davis to stay with the Pelicans. He believes that the organization has a compelling situation if Davis were to stay. But there is no indication that Davis wants to stay in New Orleans. According to Charania, the meeting was a “respectful and productive” conversation but it is unlikely that Davis will change his stance. So, both parties can find a way to resolution that helps both parties.
While New Orleans Pelicans executive Vice President David Griffin and All-Star Anthony Davis‘ agent Rich Paul will continue discussions, it’s highly unlikely Davis‘ stance changes on trade, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2019
In the regular season, Davis requested a trade from the Pelicans. The Pelicans held trade talks with the Lakers but the teams failed to reach a deal. Davis becomes a free agent in 2021. He also has a player option in 2020 if he decides to opt out of his deal. Either way, it is time for the Pelicans to part with Davis. It is best for both sides.
Featured image courtesy of Getty Images
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