Quo Vadis, AD?

The Brow will be splitting from New Orleans and likely sooner rather than later.

Through his recently acquired agent Rich Paul, Anthony Davis — he of the insane PER value this season — expressed intentions to forego signing any extensions with the Pelicans and to request (i.e. demand) a trade out of the doldrums-stuck New Orleans squad and, preferably, to a bona fide title contender.

It’s perfectly understandable why the 25-year-old is going this route, and frankly not all too surprising given the futility he endured in Louisiana.

Remember that in six previous seasons with the Pels, Davis has tasted post-season action only twice (2015 and 2018) despite being widely regarded as perhaps the most talented big man on the planet.

Now, with this very public request raging all over social media, making pundits write about different (and often out-of-this-world) scenarios and raising GMs’ collective blood pressures, the NBA’s competitive landscape is set to be shaken up in a big way.

Where could the Brow possibly land? Let’s see.

Los Angeles is all about noise and bluster and that’s exactly what’s happening now. It’s no secret that Rich Paul would love nothing more than to have Davis together with LeBron James in Purple & Gold. But as I write this, the Brown has been given a hefty $50K fine for publicly expressing his desire to be traded out of New Orleans. That won’t stop him from getting what he wants, though. And if I know what I think I know, there’s nothing that will stop LA from unloading anyone not named LBJ for a shot to get AD. Well, maybe outside of LBJ and Jack Nicholson.

Boston — The Davis-to-Boston discussion has long been going on even prior to this season, but now it all seems more palpable given the current climate. It’s not possible to pair Davis and superstar Kyrie Irving right now, though, given how both are “Rose Rule” players (a team can have more than one “Rose Rule” player, but only one should have been acquired through a trade, and Boston traded for Kyrie in 2017), but should Davis stick with New Orleans once the trade deadline lapses and the offseason comes along, Boston fans could be seeing a Kyrie-AD duo that is the stuff dreams are made of.

Toronto — Who wouldn’t love to have Kawhi pair up with AD, right? They would form arguably the most potent two-way tandem in the entire league, and Toronto would practically have a vise-like grip on the East’s top seed. The catch? The Raptors would likely have to get rid of rising stars Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and maybe even veteran floor general Kyle Lowry. Is Masai Ujiri willing to blow up his roster to get a big star, though? Come on, guys. DeMar DeRozan already knows.

Los Angeles — Perhaps the only city that can match the glitz and glam of the City of Angels is the Big Apple and though the Knicks have been more laughingstock than powerhouse of late, adding Davis could be the shot in the arm they need to really regain relevance in the league, especially with Kristaps Porzingis still sidelined with a torn ACL. And if, though it’s admittedly improbable, that NYK does win this AD raffle, who knows, maybe they could even make a compelling enough case to land a potential third superstar in the offseason (KD may come a-knockin’).

Milwaukee — I’m doubtful this will ever happen and not sure if there are any contract-specific rules that will prevent a Giannis Antetokounmpo-Davis duo, but just imagining the Greek Freak and the Brow together in one team is making my knees knock. In terms of pure athleticism, length and size, I don’t think any team out there would be able to match up.

Chicago — Another unlikely destination, given how the Bulls don’t really have the pieces that New Orleans might find enticing, but don’t forget that AD is Chicago-born and raised. That may yet count for something and should nothing materialize before the trade deadline, it’s not entirely impossible for Bulls GM Gar Foreman to pull off a coup d’etat and steal Davis away from the clutches of LA and Boston.

Golden State — Don’t even think it, right? Yes, I get it, but when a franchise manages to land DeMarcus Cousins after winning back-to-back titles after acquiring KD, anything — and I mean anything — can happen. The Evil Empire may get even stronger.