Tuesday, Feb. 5, it became news that the Boston Celtics have considered trading Jayson Tatum to New Orleans for Anthony Davis.
Although no formal offer can be made until Kyrie Irving becomes a free agent on July 1, The Athletic's Sam Amick reports that the teams' front offices have talked about a trade package that would exchange Tatum for Davis.
"A source with knowledge of the talks said the potential centerpiece in a Pelicans package, 20-year-old Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum, has been discussed extensively by the two teams," Amick said. "And is expected to be a major part of the talks when June rolls around."
This comes after the perceived leaders in the race for AD, the Los Angeles Lakers, let it be known that they had "pulled out" of talks with the Pelicans amid New Orleans' "outrageous" trade requests. The news of a Tatum/Davis swap also contradicts reports claiming Boston "refused to dangle Jayson Tatum" just to entice a trade.
But by furthering talks with the Celtics, many are under the impression that the Pelicans will not trade AD before tomorrow's Feb. 7 deadline. This gives every team interested in Davis the opportunity to perfect their trade packages. Which is something Lakers' great Kobe Bryant said would be "smart" for LA to do.
"It depends on what you're trying to accomplish and what your long-term objectives are. By signing LeBron, you're already making an indication you want to win now. I think it would be a smart thing for the Lakers to look at [trading for Davis]. At the same time, you have to play a little poker," Bryant said before telling ESPN's The Jump that he supports Davis's eagerness to leave New Orleans.
"He’s got a right to do what the hell he wants to do. Teams have the right to trade players, sign players, do whatever they want. Players should have the freedom to voice their opinion."
