re: Loomis and demps just got played.

Alright. I'm not sure why I'm doing this but I'll try and lay this out for you.

Let's start with the timing of AD's announcement. That was two weeks before the Trade Deadline. It logically follows, especially in light of all of Klutch Sport's actions, that they were trying to force a trade BEFORE the deadline for a variety of reasons.

Boston CANNOT trade for Davis at this time (before the deadline), and has to wait until Summer to do so, correct?

Who is the most likely team to rival any Lakers offer or can beat it? The Celtics, who CANNOT do a deal pre-Deadline.

So what benefit would Klutch have with including Boston pre-Deadline on previous teams? None. So what is the logical conclusion for Klutch? Say you won't sign there, give the Pelicans the impression they MUST do a deal now.

So that's what they did.

Now follow me further.

The Lakers: Lebron James is nearing the end of his career, right? He has played more minutes at his age than anyone in the history of the league did at the same time. That is why they tried to force a trade now. Davis is under contract through next year. Do you think the Lakers are going to punt on a year of Lebron James? No. They are going to sign FAs. If they sign ANY FA of note, THEY WILL NOT HAVE CAP SPACE TO SIGN DAVIS IN 2020. So if they don't trade for him now or this Summer before FA, he will never be a Laker, most likely.

The Knicks: have cleared two max spots and have the ability to create a 3rd via trade. They did not do this to have those FAs play with a rookie. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are not coming to NYK to play with Zion Williamson. IF they get #1 or 2, they will want to trade that to form a super team.

Clippers: have also created two max spots even though they are in the playoff hunt. They also received a VERY valuable pick: The Heat 2021 unprotected pick. 2021 is projected to be an insane draft, and the Heat will likely be shite. They also have some interesting players like SGA and Shamet, and a crazy owner that could possibly throw a ton of crazy picks at AD.

Celtics: They have a great HC, a great GM, and multiple assets. It DID NOT behoove Klutch/AD to say he would go there now...but this summer when faced with the prospect of playing all of 2020 in an uncomfortable situation with the Pelicans, he will almost certainly change his tune about going to a premiere, great organization. Even if he doesn't, Ainge, by all accounts, is convinced he can change his mind.


The long and short of it is that it did not benefit the Pelicans to do the deal now. It only benefited the Lakers, Lebron James, Klutch Sports, and Anthony Davis.

Yes, it is a calculated risk. But it is the right one, and you won't find a smart, unbiased basketball person that disagrees.