Anthony Davis Free Agency 2019: Celtics Not a Long-Term Goal for Pelican Superstar, Per NBA Insider

The fate of Anthony Davis’ destination still remains unknown as the New Orleans Pelicans are still waiting for other offers from various teams. This is understandable since they want to know the extent of their options before making a decision that will impact their performance in the years to come.

Initially, the Los Angeles Lakers were touted to be the favorite to land Anthony Davis before the trade deadline hits. That proved inaccurate as the Pelicans refused the enticing offer of the Lakers that would’ve landed them several young cores. Next in line are the Boston Celtics that has a treasure trove of assets that they could offer the Pelicans. However, even if the Celtics managed to acquire Davis, it seems that the franchise is not on his long term goal, Yahoo Sports reported.

As NBA Insider Shams Charnia would have it, Anthony Davis wants to join the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, and Bucks in that order. He added that there are two more teams that are on this list although he didn’t reveal who they were.

“The Celtics, I am told, are still not a long-term destination for him in his mind. Where the Celtics stand does not change despite what Anthony Davis said over the weekend in regards to the long-term play. But where he is traded relies solely on the Pelicans.”

Indeed, the Pelicans still have until 2020 to play out their hands and see what’s the best deal they can get with Anthony Davis. The organization is hoping that the Celtics would offer Jason Tatum as part of the trade package as he’s a promising young star. However, given that the 25-year-old isn’t expected to commit with the Celtics, it would be a gamble for the team to go after him in exchange for one of the rising players in the league.

There’s also the fact that Anthony Davis’ father said he doesn’t want his son playing for the Celtics given how they treated Isiah Thomas. There’s no doubt that Davis will eventually become a Lakers at some point. But since he’s still under contract with the Pelicans, his hands are tied at the moment.