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Latest NBA Scenario: Pelicans Keep Anthony Davis, Trade 1st Pick

It’s an interesting thought but Davis seems pretty set on leaving New Orleans

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NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Second Round-Duke vs UCF
 Mar 24, 2019; Columbia, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots the ball during the first half against the UCF Knights in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Colonial Life Arena.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

As we’ve said for several years, and several times so far in the run up to this year’s draft, the rumors and machinations are almost more fun than the actual draft itself.

In the last couple of days we’ve seen the rumors about the Knicks trading RJ Barrett to the Hawks for the two top 10 picks Atlanta has and now rumors that Memphis isn't happy about Ja Morant having knee surgery and inviting him in for a workout, which he declined (that part apparently is fact).

And now?

Now we have Forbes’ Jeff Feldman suggesting that if New Orleans could find a way to trade Zion Williamson and keep Anthony Davis, who has been pretty clear about wanting out, they’d do it.

That’s a tough call.

Davis is legitimately great and big men, even in a game that is supposedly positionless, carry a premium value and Williamson is not proven of course, at least not in the NBA.

Still, we wouldn’t necessarily rush to make that decision.

First, Davis has poisoned the well to an extent. It’s going to be hard for him to win people back over even if they get him to stay.

Second, Williamson’s character is pretty solid and he has a certain social genius when it comes to bringing teams together. Don’t underestimate that.

And third, if you strike the right deal, you can surround Williamson with a lot talent in the next couple of years and be well on the way to a winning team with a charismatic star who could define the league for a decade or more.

Either way the future looks bright for the Pelicans.

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