To this point I haven’t written anything on Anthony Davis and his demand to be traded before the trade deadline. I think now is the time for me to comment after watching last night’s debacle in New Orleans in which he played in the first three quarters then stayed on the bench the entire fourth period in a close game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pels did eventually win the game in what was an entertaining game, but one would hope this isn’t the template in New Orleans moving forward for the rest of this season.
This isn’t fair to the fans in New Orleans or to any fans in any small markets looking forward. The NBA front office has said it will fine the Pelicans $22,000 per game for every game Davis doesn’t play moving forward till the conclusion of this season in New Orleans. This is bullshit and I can’t believe this would hold water in a civil court of law.
The New Orleans Pelicans are currently worth around $1.1 billion dollars. They are the No. 30th ranked NBA franchise by Forbes as far as franchise valuation. Anthony Davis is by far the most valuable asset of the franchise. Imagine the Thunder mishandling Russell Westbrook’s contract extension and that would be the small market comparison. By the way the OKC Thunder currently rank 18th on Forbes with a valuation of $1.25 billion dollars. Not a bad rate of return on investment capital by Clay Bennett and his ownership group.
The Pelicans by the current NBA collective bargaining agreement can resign Anthony Davis to a five year deal worth $239 million dollars. If Davis leaves he can ‘only’ sign a four year deal with any other team worth a $154 million. So, obviously, this isn’t about NBA contractual money. It’s about Davis wanting to join a super team and expanding his own brand even more per winning. His Pelicans were one the better post season stories last season as unlike the Thunder who flamed versus Utah in the first round. Davis and the Pels swept Portland in the first round before being eliminated by Golden State.
To me, this is simple, the Pelicans did the right thing by not trading Davis to the Lakers. They made the right play. What LA offered to me wasn’t enough for one of the league’s best five players. If I’m New Orleans—the play is to finish the season. Get the highest lottery place possible and then get the most they can in return to team along with Holiday and Randle.
I would not risk injury to Davis in any way. He’s been an injury prone player during his career and this is one New Orleans cannot get wrong even if they owner Gayle Benson has to file a lawsuit. Her franchise cannot misplay this hand.
Davis and his agent demanded the trade, not the other way around. Kevin Durant did not do this. He complied fully with his contractual obligation to the Thunder.
Anthony Davis, please take a seat.