Why the Boston Celtics aren’t out of the Anthony Davis race
By Ryan Eggers
Precedence
If there is one thing on the Boston Celtics’ side, it’s (very recent) precedence. The most direct comparison to Davis’ current situation has to be the Paul George debacle that played out over the previous two seasons.
George, stuck in a small-market team that didn’t seem to have all the right pieces together, let GM Kevin Pritchard know two summers ago that he wouldn’t re-sign in Indiana, and later reports stated that he was set on signing with the Lakers in free agency.
And the games began.
The Lakers, presumably the favorite to land George no matter what, didn’t play their best hand during trade negotiations, and George landed in Oklahoma City for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. No worries, Magic Johnson thought, PG will just sign in LA next offseason.
Except he didn’t. Which is the exact reason why thinking Davis will sign in LA in 2020 no matter what is absurd. George fit right into his role with the Thunder, and his rapport with Russell Westbrook was enough for him to sign a four-year contract extension.
Los Angeles likely won’t make that mistake again, but if the Celtics’ offer comes out on top and Davis lands in Boston next season, don’t assume the Lakers still have leverage. With a star like Irving, promising young pieces on the roster, and a competent head coach and GM, why wouldn’t Davis stay? Why would he leave the East, a conference where a Celtics team with Davis could rule supreme for the next decade?
History repeats itself. And as long as the Lakers don’t grab Davis at the deadline, history is on Boston’s side.