Anthony Davis has become one of the NBA’s best players, and took another step forward last season with a monster close to the regular season and then led the Pelicans to a playoff series win for the first time in his career.
For the better part of a year, there have been rumors swirling about Davis’ future with the Pelicans, and whether New Orleans would entertain a possible trade of their superstar big man — often with the rumors coming from those around other teams that are interested in his services. After last season, it’s hard to imagine New Orleans looking to deal him, and it appears an extension — which Davis is eligible for next summer — seems more likely than anything.
As Davis positions himself for those discussions with new Orleans, he’s decided to change agencies, signing on with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, whose most notable clients are LeBron James, Ben Simmons, and John Wall. The move has been in the works for some time, but was made official on Sunday.
We officially welcome @AntDavis23! pic.twitter.com/2rxOQG058f
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) September 23, 2018
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes, Paul’s first job will be deciding if Davis should take the Pelicans’ massive extension offer or not, and telling the Pelicans what they will need to do to secure Davis’ services moving forward.
Klutch Sports now has 20 players on NBA contracts headlined by LeBron James, John Wall, Ben Simmons and now Anthony Davis. The first order of business will be next summer navigating a likely 5 year/$235M extension that will be on the table by the Pelicans.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 23, 2018
One would think New Orleans will assuredly put the offer on the table and make Davis say no to $235 million. However, Davis does have leverage to push the Pelicans to stay committed financially to building a winner and making sure the moves they make next summer align with his hopes for the franchise.
