The New Orleans Pelicans have fired general manager Dell Demps after a tumultuous tenure with the franchise. What does this move mean for the Boston Celtics, a team who has long sought the services of disgruntled Pelicans star Anthony Davis?
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was the first to report the news that the New Orleans Pelicans and Dell Demps have ended their relationship.
New Orleans has parted ways with GM Dell Demps, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2019
The news comes just a week after the trade deadline, where star big man Anthony Davis made national headlines by requesting a trade from the team. The Pelicans opted to hold on to Davis past the deadline, which has become one of the most widely debated decisions of the 2018 NBA season.
Since Dell Demps became the general manager of the franchise in 2010 the Pelicans made the playoffs just three times and managed to win only a single playoff series. He opted to let Demarcus Cousins walk in the offseason after moving valuable assets for the center a year ago, and has played a hand in the inevitable separation between the franchise and their most talented player.
The Pelicans sit in 13th place in the Western Conference with a 26-33 record and a full six games back of the eighth and final playoff spot. According to Wojnarowski ownership is looking to “overhaul” the organization and pursue a “high-level executive” to fill the general manager role.
So, what does all of this mean for the Boston Celtics?
Well for starters, it is important to note that Dell Demps has always been adamant in his desire to retain Davis. Once calls started creeping in during the time leading up to the deadline, news came that Demps wasn’t answering the phone.
Now that Demps is out, questions immediately began arising as to the team’s plans for Davis this offseason. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, New Orleans will be patient with Davis and will only move the big man if it makes sense for the franchise.
Ownership’s plan with a new GM will be continuing to push back on Anthony Davis preferred trade destinations if they don’t make sense for Pels — especially with a full year left on his contract, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2019
This comes as potentially great news for the Celtics. In the days leading up to the trade deadline Rich Paul (Davis’s agent) gave the Pelicans a list of four preferred destinations. Boston did not make the shortlist. Famously, the Los Angeles Lakers were at the top of said list, but New Orleans refused to make a deal with Magic Johnson despite being offered several young talents and draft picks.
The Boston Celtics hold every asset necessary to pull off a mega deal for Anthony Davis. New Orleans seeks a budding young star they can mold into a franchise player. Understandably, they also want high-level draft picks and other young talents. Boston happens to check off all of those boxes with guys like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and others at their disposal along with up to four first round picks in the upcoming draft.
If Danny Ainge is willing to cash in his chips and make the move, the offer could be just too sweet for New Orleans to pass up. As of, now the changing of the guard in the front office doesn’t appear to change Boston’s chances of obtaining what would be a franchise-altering talent in Anthony Davis.