By now everybody is well-acquainted with the transactions that happened before 3:00 Eastern Time, this past Thursday, otherwise known as the NBA trade deadline. There were a lot of trades, although, many rumored trades never came to fruition. Dwight Howard is still a Rocket, Al Horford is still Atlanta’s guy, and Ryan Anderson didn’t join a contender.
One thing that shocked most NBA fans was the silence of the BostonCeltics. Danny Ainge had reportedly been “quietly aggressive” in his pursuit of an All-Star partner for Isaiah Thomas. According to the GM, a blockbuster was in the works, however the other team backed out. Yes, it is well-known that Jahlil Okafor almost donned Celtic green, however, Ainge said that this trade had not washed up in any rumors, he also said that the trade will be revisited in the off-season.
Gary Tunguay at CSN NE feels that this deal could have been for the man carrying the richest contract in league history, Anthony Davis. The reporter used the process of elimination to come to his conclusion.
According to Gary Tunguay, “The Spurs aren’t dumping anyone. I can’t see Minnesota getting rid of Andrew Wiggins or Karl-Anthony Towns. LeBron? Of course not. Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas and Dwayne Wade in Miami are too old. Paul George in Indiana? That wouldn’t be a blockbuster in my opinion, but he could fall under the label of ‘good, solid’ player…I’ve come up with Anthony Davis.”
This does seem extremely far-fetched, but when you think about it, it makes sense. Let’s look at this year’s other all-stars:
- LeBron James – Would Cleveland trade their hometown hero who turned his back on them in 2010. If they were trying to get payback, yes, but trading him to Boston would devastate their roster and carry the C’s to the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Not much of a good plan.
- Paul George – George is Indiana. He seriously is look at the roster, it isn’t what it was back when they took the Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Larry Bird also loves George, and as stated by Tunguay, it wouldn’t be much of a blockbuster.
- Carmelo Anthony – This deal had been rumored so it is automatically removed from discussion. Anthony also has a no-trade clause.
- Dwayne Wade – Father time and weak knees are starting to catch up to the man once known as Flash.
- Kyle Lowry – Toronto is coming for Cleveland’s Eastern Conference crown, they wouldn’t move their franchise player.
- DeMar DeRozan – see above.
- Jimmy Butler – Butler is what Stevens loves, a two-way player who is a warrior on defense, sadly this was rumored.
- Paul Millsap – Millsap would be a great addition to a strong Celtics team, but Ainge wouldn’t give up his chase of Horford for his teammate.
- Andre Drummond – Would you trade Drummond? Really?
- Chris Bosh – Like Wade, age has taken a toll. Bosh also has a hefty contract, not to mention an ongoing blood clot issue.
- John Wall – Never in a million years would the Wizards trade their new Gilbert Arenas.
- Pau Gasol – Rumored.
- Al Horford – Perhaps the biggest rumor of the deadline.
- Kobe Bryant – The list for Kobe goes on and one. The contract, LA would never part with him, and the fact that he will be playing golf in Florida with all the other retirees.
- Kevin Durant – The trade is said to be revisited come summer, Durant will be a free agent so unless it is a sign-and-trade, it is almost uncertain.
- Kawhi Leonard – 2014 Finals MVP, 2015 Defensive Player of the Year, Kawhi isn’t going anywhere.
- Steph Curry – Ainge would have to trade away the city of Boston, perhaps the moon, and Brooklyn’s first-round pick.
- Russell Westbrook – With his free agency next year and his love for Los Angeles, Ainge knows to steer clear.
- Draymond Green – Same trade for Curry minus the moon.
- James Harden – Harden is in Houston for the long run.
- Chris Paul – CP3 is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and is the face of the Clippers, he isn’t going anywhere.
- Klay Thompson – This wouldn’t have required Boston or the moon, but Golden State will NOT break up this young trio.
- DeMarcus Cousins – This has been rumored almost as long as when the Cubs won their last World Series.
- LaMarcus Aldridge – Kawhi and LA are the torch bearers for this San Antonio squad, the dynasty will live on.
This leaves Anthony Davis, and the deal makes sense for both sides. If this is the deal that was in the works, it will be revisited as early as lottery night. The conversation will only revitalize if that pick is first overall. Ben Simmons not only attends LSU, but he is a child of the bayou. Simmons is to New Orleans as LeBron is to Cleveland, a homegrown savior.
Next: Three-Pointers Continue to Haunt the Boston Celtics
Yes, the Brow is the future of the Association, but the Pelicans have $145 million dollars invested in him. That isn’t bad, the bad thing is the team around him. Will New Orleans waste that money and the prime of a superstar that will result in zero championships? They shouldn’t. They should trade for Simmons and stock their cupboard for the future. While Simmons develops in Louisana, Thomas and Davis can challenge the league’s elite in taking home the championship.