NBA Trade Rumours: 3 teams that Anthony Davis could join this summer

Anthony Davis was expected to make a decision on his long-term future in the summer of 2019. However, back in January, the 6-time All-Star dropped the news that he had decided to move on, with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reporting:

Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade.

Despite Davis' request, a deal was never completed as the Pelicans repeatedly shunned offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, as the franchise decided to make their star player remain with the team.

While the Pelicans were able to avoid a mid-season trade, there is no doubting that the organisation will be forced to cash in on their star man in the summer, as Davis' current contract has just a year left to run. So, as we approach the offseason, here we will look at the three most likely destinations for the Pelicans star.

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#3 New York Knicks

The Knicks are interested in bringing in Kevin Durant as a free agent

Following years of misery, the New York Knicks are expected to attract major players in the summer. Having successfully cleared two max-contract spots on their roster, the Knicks remain optimistic of landing either Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving while also hopefully of drafting Duke's Zion Williamson as they attempt to build a title-contending team.

Knicks management are also known to be admirers of Davis, though their hopes of landing the All-Star were reduced after deciding to send Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks. Ultimately, they could still pull off a deal, though they must be willing to give up the majority of their future picks, as well as their entire young core too.

#2 Boston Celtics

Davis moving to the Celtics could be tied to Irving's future with the team

The Boston Celtics have been heavily linked with Davis over the last 12 months, and back in January, ESPN reported that the team had already reached out to the Pelicans:

The Celtics reached out to the New Orleans Pelicans this week and told them they'd be willing to discuss all players on their roster in a Davis trade that could be made after the season when Irving is expected to become a free agent, sources said.

If the Celtics are willing to include both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in a potential trade, then there is no doubting that Boston leads the pack to acquire Anthony. However, with Kyrie Irving's own future in doubt, it remains questionable whether Davis would be willing to join a Boston team that lacks a second star. With the Pelicans having the final say on any move, this one could get messy.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers want to partner AD with LeBron James

Ever since the Lakers landed LeBron James last summer, Davis has become the franchise's number one target. Los Angeles wants to pair James with a much younger second All-Star calibre player, and at 25, Davis fits the bill perfectly.

While the Lakers were expected to wait until the summer to make a move for Davis, the organisation showed just how desperate they were to bring Davis to the team back in January, offering Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and multiple draft picks. This pursuit failed as the Pelicans wanted to wait until the summer to assess rival offers, although you can count on Magic Johnson and the Lakers to return with a new offer this summer.

They will undoubtedly face stiff competition from the likes of the Celtics, though the franchise has their hopes set on adding AD and there is no doubting that they will throw every resource that they have to complete the deal.