Everything we've heard from the New Orleans Pelicans since they landed the #1 overall pick is that they intend to convince Anthony Davis to sign a supermax extension this summer. General Manager David Griffin has said, "We want to create an environment that players are attracted to and we feel very strongly Anthony, in totality, will be attracted to what we can build.”
It remains to be seen how successful they'll be, as Davis' desire to be traded remains unchanged. Unfortunately for AD, the Pelicans also seem intent on specifically not trading him to the Lakers - which is reportedly his preferred destination.
ESPN's Jackie MacMullan reports:
We have been told, I think, through channels – most of us have heard this same scuttlebutt – that Gayle Benson has basically told him, “To the Lakers, over my dead body.”
The Lakers tried to trade several young assets, including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and multiple first-round draft picks to the Pelicans at the trade deadline in February, but New Orleans didn't bite. Now that the Lakers have the fourth overall pick in their grasp, that deal could be more enticing.
However, it appears the Pelicans are first going to explore every last option before making a deal with the Lakers.
