If you thought the New Orleans Pelicans were in danger of losing Anthony Davis’ allegiance, you can rest easy.
Leading into the Pelican’s Wednesday night victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, head coach Alvin Gentry expressed his belief that Davis wants to remain in The Big Easy long term:
Alvin Gentry on Anthony Davis: "I think he likes it here; he wants to do it here, have this franchise win and he wants to be a part of it.''
— John Reid (@JohnReid64) December 28, 2016
So, like, this isn’t a bad thing. It’s not a necessary thing, either.
Davis could try forcing a trade if he was unhappy with the team direction, but the Pelicans hold all the leverage. He is signed through 2019-20, at which point he has a player option he’ll surely decline, barring injury, for 2020-21.
That gives the Pelicans more than three seasons to sell Davis on the big picture—even longer if he meets the requirements to receive the Designated Player exception, which would allow him to make substantially more money by sticking with New Orleans, thereby diminishing the likelihood he’s explore leaving at all.
Still, at the very least, Davis doesn’t have an imminent out—which is great for the Pelicans, because their latest rebuild won’t reach completion anytime soon.
