NBA news: Anthony Davis to Celtics to be BLOCKED? Lakers major boost

That’s the opinion of Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Sharp, who suggests LeBron James would not be happy if Rich Paul brokered a deal for the Celtics to land Davis.

While the 2019 NBA free agency market will be a main target for several teams up and down the league, there is one player who has garnered plenty of attention due to his contract situation – Davis.

He can be offered a supermax extension by the New Orleans Pelicans next summer, but it has been suggested he may seek to leave should it become clear they are unlikely to challenge for a title.

The Celtics and Lakers have been earmarked as the leading candidates to trade for Davis should he become available due to the level of assets available to them.

Boston may be the more attractive team for New Orleans to trade with as they are not a direct rival in the Western Conference.

Davis’ agent Paul will be involved in any trade talks should he look to leave, with the suggestion that has given the Lakers an edge due to his relationship with James.

Paul became James’ agent when he was drafted back in 2003 and went on to run the agency Klutch Sports Group, which now represents a handful of NBA players.

And Sharp suggests the relationship between Paul and James could mean the Celtics will find it nearly impossible to trade for Davis.

“Rich Paul has been part of LeBron’s family for the last 15 years,” Sharp said on on the Open Floor NBA Show podcast.

“So you have to think every time those guys fly into Boston for a playoff series they’re talking amongst themselves about how much they hate it there and how much they hate everybody.

“The idea that Rich Paul is suddenly going to start backroom dealing with Danny Ainge and feel great about it, that does seem pretty implausible.”

Boston may still need to find a new centre with Al Horford approaching the latter stages of his career.

And Sharp suggests the Celtics should strongly consider trading Jayson Tatum for Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson Jr.

“That’s why they should trade Jaren, future superstar, next Draymond,” he said.

“This is clearly an overreaction but if you asked me to guess who is the Hall of Famer in this class then I think Jaren Jackson Jr is going to get there.”