Woj:"Davis expected to tell teams he only wants LA. Ainge will still make offer"

[KGs Knee]

The NBA has a player movement problem, and I don't really see a likely way for the league to fix it.

It's all agent driven, they hold all the power...soccer has the same issue except it's multiplied by transfer fees that the agent takes a cut of. Everyone knew as soon as Davis signed with Klutch that Rich Paul was going to push the Laker agenda, I still believe that LeBron James going to LA had nothing to do with Magic or anyone in their organisation, it was James and Rich Paul knowing that in LA, Klutch could have full control over the free agency market after all these years of being shot down in Cleveland.

The biggest source of the "problem" is that contract lengths are much shorter now, and that's something the owners pushed for to reduce the length of commitment a player could extract from them and increase cap flexibility. Greater player mobility is the flipside of that, and agents are seizing on it because it increases their leverage for their clients. Go back to 7 year deals and see how routinely top players change teams.

I prefer this to having a league where expiring contracts are as valuable as some low level all-stars because teams get locked up on contracts for 7 years.

Definitely agreed, just saying star players having so much leverage picking teams is a direct consequence of the salary cap flexibility (and more protection from stupid signings) that the owners wanted. Buy the ticket, take the ride.

It's kind of funny IMO where it was first, "Wahhhh...we signed contracts that make it hard to sign more contracts and all we don't make as much money as you think we do (just kidding, we do)! Make a better deal! Shorter contracts!"

Now its, "Wahhhhhhhh....now players can decide where they want to play and who they want to play with! THE NERVE!"

It is deliciously ironic, that's for sure.

[Big333223]

This is another non-story if you read what is actually written. Going back to the OP,

multiple league sources expect the agent and star to soon deliver word throughout the league that Davis' preferred destination is the Lakers

Woj does not say that AD's preferred destination is LA, only that "league sources" (whoever that is) are expecting that to be the case. It's probably a guess. There is no story here.

What I found way more interesting (if not revelatory):

Boston has been calling New Orleans for the past year-plus on Davis,

This means two things. One, Ainge has it all figured out on his end. He and Zarren know every permutation of every deal they can offer. They've done all the math, checked all the grammar, and have built a relationship with New Orleans already. They were in the lead before the race even started.

Two, New Orleans knows what Boston has and what they are willing to offer. So if New Orleans makes a deal in the next couple of days (I doubt it) it'll be because they don't like what Boston is prepared to offer this summer anyways.

[GreenShooter]

The NBA has a player movement problem, and I don't really see a likely way for the league to fix it.

It's all agent driven, they hold all the power...soccer has the same issue except it's multiplied by transfer fees that the agent takes a cut of. Everyone knew as soon as Davis signed with Klutch that Rich Paul was going to push the Laker agenda, I still believe that LeBron James going to LA had nothing to do with Magic or anyone in their organisation, it was James and Rich Paul knowing that in LA, Klutch could have full control over the free agency market after all these years of being shot down in Cleveland.

The biggest source of the "problem" is that contract lengths are much shorter now, and that's something the owners pushed for to reduce the length of commitment a player could extract from them and increase cap flexibility. Greater player mobility is the flipside of that, and agents are seizing on it because it increases their leverage for their clients. Go back to 7 year deals and see how routinely top players change teams.

I prefer this to having a league where expiring contracts are as valuable as some low level all-stars because teams get locked up on contracts for 7 years.

Definitely agreed, just saying star players having so much leverage picking teams is a direct consequence of the salary cap flexibility (and more protection from stupid signings) that the owners wanted. Buy the ticket, take the ride.

It's kind of funny IMO where it was first, "Wahhhh...we signed contracts that make it hard to sign more contracts and all we don't make as much money as you think we do (just kidding, we do)! Make a better deal! Shorter contracts!"

Now its, "Wahhhhhhhh....now players can decide where they want to play and who they want to play with! THE NERVE!"

Felgah! Is that you?! LOL

[KGs Knee]

New Orleans knows what Boston has and what they are willing to offer. So if New Orleans makes a deal in the next couple of days (I doubt it) it'll be because they don't like what Boston is prepared to offer this summer anyways.

This is a good point, and primarily why I think NOP is in no rush to make a deal.  I'll be quite surprised if Davis is moved prior to the deadline this season.  But it would probably be a good sign that NOP preferred someone else's assets if a deal does happen.

[GreenShooter]

This is another non-story if you read what is actually written. Going back to the OP,

multiple league sources expect the agent and star to soon deliver word throughout the league that Davis' preferred destination is the Lakers

Woj does not say that AD's preferred destination is LA, only that "league sources" (whoever that is) are expecting that to be the case. It's probably a guess. There is no story here.

What I found way more interesting (if not revelatory):

Boston has been calling New Orleans for the past year-plus on Davis,

This means two things. One, Ainge has it all figured out on his end. He and Zarren know every permutation of every deal they can offer. They've done all the math, checked all the grammar, and have built a relationship with New Orleans already. They were in the lead before the race even started.

Two, New Orleans knows what Boston has and what they are willing to offer. So if New Orleans makes a deal in the next couple of days (I doubt it) it'll be because they don't like what Boston is prepared to offer this summer anyways.

All we know for sure is that DA has called N.O. for longer than a year and a half. And all we know for sure is that N.O. has told them they are not listening (at that time) and they will try to surround the Brow with a winning team. They thought they were on their way last year with a nice playoff run but the tide has turned and I don't blame AD for asking out. Just don't make it a "L.A. or bust" situation.

[BringToughnessBack]

9 days, that’s all the C’s have to worry about. If NOLA doesn’t panic AD will be wearing green next season.

True..9 days it is.

Persoanlly, If I am NO I attempt to fleece Lakers now...all strong young players, future draft picks and then tank the rest of the season for best draft position.

I guess they could call Danny and see what he would offer at end of season but the Celtics picks are all up in the air and this means Davis plays rest of year and does not allow them to join bottom five teams which they are close enough to now.

I think Lakers will capitulate to an insane trade now. Remember who is in their ear..Lebron is going for his third super team in his career.

We can only hope the NO owner hates the Lakers enough to wait til summer. I feel it is better then 70 percent he is gone by deadline but hope I am wrong!Now, if NO values Tatum and Brown more then Lakers players and chance to nab a top pick in this draft by tanking without Davis, then we have a good chance. But if it’s me, I fleece the Lakers and go for that top pick in draft this year.

What draft picks though?  They only have their own and they won't be lottery picks.  If they're interested in draft picks the Celtics have multiple, better ones to offer.

I don't watch the lakers much but I'm not all that impressed with their "strong young players".  Are they talented?  Sure.  Special?  I haven't seen it yet.  Certainly not special enough to think that they won't be available in the summer.

The only reason I could see the Pelicans doing something sooner rather than later (assuming their management is competent - something I don't know whether or not is the case) is to tank the rest of the season with the hopes of landing a top draft pick.  That being said, it's not like they've been killing it this season with Davis in the lineup (though his personal stats are really good).

Would have to be distant future one's, like 21, 23 and 25 perhaps and maybe throw the old Nets option in one of those as well. Not super enticing vs Kings pick and maybe right to the Memphis pick. But you could always get super lucky and have the Lakers fall into the crapper again.

[BringToughnessBack]

New Orleans knows what Boston has and what they are willing to offer. So if New Orleans makes a deal in the next couple of days (I doubt it) it'll be because they don't like what Boston is prepared to offer this summer anyways.

This is a good point, and primarily why I think NOP is in no rush to make a deal.  I'll be quite surprised if Davis is moved prior to the deadline this season.  But it would probably be a good sign that NOP preferred someone else's assets if a deal does happen.

But, there is always the risk he gets injured and they lose some value due to it. Hard to know but it will make an interesting round of rumors coming from La La Land the next 9 days. Hope they lose out like they lost out on KG.

[KGs Knee]

New Orleans knows what Boston has and what they are willing to offer. So if New Orleans makes a deal in the next couple of days (I doubt it) it'll be because they don't like what Boston is prepared to offer this summer anyways.

This is a good point, and primarily why I think NOP is in no rush to make a deal.  I'll be quite surprised if Davis is moved prior to the deadline this season.  But it would probably be a good sign that NOP preferred someone else's assets if a deal does happen.

But, there is always the risk he gets injured and they lose some value due to it. Hard to know but it will make an interesting round of rumors coming from La La Land the next 9 days. Hope they lose out like they lost out on KG.

At some point they'll just shut him down and tank. 

[GreenShooter]

New Orleans knows what Boston has and what they are willing to offer. So if New Orleans makes a deal in the next couple of days (I doubt it) it'll be because they don't like what Boston is prepared to offer this summer anyways.

This is a good point, and primarily why I think NOP is in no rush to make a deal.  I'll be quite surprised if Davis is moved prior to the deadline this season.  But it would probably be a good sign that NOP preferred someone else's assets if a deal does happen.

But, there is always the risk he gets injured and they lose some value due to it. Hard to know but it will make an interesting round of rumors coming from La La Land the next 9 days. Hope they lose out like they lost out on KG.

They will bubble-wrap him with only 30 games left so they can tank as there are a lot of teams in playoff contention with similar records. Then again, they could gain some revenue from making the playoffs and having 1 game at home vs. the likes of Houston or GSW.

[Silky]

All I know is with more and more concern that Irving is not going to resign, that objective need to change, and change fast.

Horford is declining, Hayward is currently trash contract.

Davis definately doesnt want to come here because he would have never requested a trade at this point in time knowing that Boston could not trade for him.

And if Davis doesnt come, I cannot see Kyrie staying when he can potentially go to play with Davis in LA and the 2 of them take over after lebron(phone calls have repairs their relationship)


Kyrie for Kanter and the Knicks pick

Hayward for expirings

And we end up back in the toilet again??....no thanks.

I am all for trading Hayward, but I don't believe any rumors suggesting there's "uncertainty" over Kyrie staying or going. Also, Al Horford has played really well since coming back from his injury for a guy who's "declining."

Gotta love the gloom and doom.

If I had assurance that Kyrie wouldn't resign, then I would trade him now

The only assurance that Kyrie won't re-sign is being created by the media to stir s** up.

well that is speculation, unless you have behind closed door knowledge.

[RodyTur10]

I love how Boston can never add max players but lebron can team up with whomever he wants whenever.  The league is a joke.

We have three max players. One acquired by trade, two more in free agency. The free agents were playing on smaller market teams whose fans were furious that a big-city team like Boston was able to get them.

If Gordon hadn't been injured last year and we made it to the Finals and were enjoying a very long future ahead of us - including a fist full of draft picks, would you still feel this way? That was just very, very bad luck.

I felt sorry for Utah and didn't like that Hayward left that franchise, but maybe that was also because Hayward is obviously not a caliber player like Durant, George, Irving or Davis. Would have been nice to see that Utah team with Mitchell ánd Hayward as scoring options (with the assumption that the incident with Hayward would never have happened).

For Durant it made some sense that he wanted to leave Oklahoma City after their GM made a couple of big mistakes, and the selfish play by Westbrook at crucial times. Of course it should never have happened that Golden State became his destination.

I think George also had every reason to believe that his Indiana team had no path to become a lot better than they were. Still that was a big punch in the face on a franchise that had fully supported him during his injury and rehabilitation.

It's not strange that the way James lead the Cleveland team backfired. Irving even had announced his dissatisfaction a year beforehand, so his departure is really just the inability by James to share the fame.

And I find that Davis has given the Pelicans a long time to build a contender around him and telling them now that he won't re-sign at least gives the Pelicans every opportunity to make a good trade. Last year they looked close, but Rondo going to the Lakers crushed that team (also part of the plan?).

[Roy H.]

All I know is with more and more concern that Irving is not going to resign, that objective need to change, and change fast.

Horford is declining, Hayward is currently trash contract.

Davis definately doesnt want to come here because he would have never requested a trade at this point in time knowing that Boston could not trade for him.

And if Davis doesnt come, I cannot see Kyrie staying when he can potentially go to play with Davis in LA and the 2 of them take over after lebron(phone calls have repairs their relationship)


Kyrie for Kanter and the Knicks pick

Hayward for expirings

And we end up back in the toilet again??....no thanks.

I am all for trading Hayward, but I don't believe any rumors suggesting there's "uncertainty" over Kyrie staying or going. Also, Al Horford has played really well since coming back from his injury for a guy who's "declining."

Gotta love the gloom and doom.

If I had assurance that Kyrie wouldn't resign, then I would trade him now

The only assurance that Kyrie won't re-sign is being created by the media to stir s** up.

well that is speculation, unless you have behind closed door knowledge.

Haynes’ reporting is speculation, too.

[Donoghus]

All I know is with more and more concern that Irving is not going to resign, that objective need to change, and change fast.

Horford is declining, Hayward is currently trash contract.

Davis definately doesnt want to come here because he would have never requested a trade at this point in time knowing that Boston could not trade for him.

And if Davis doesnt come, I cannot see Kyrie staying when he can potentially go to play with Davis in LA and the 2 of them take over after lebron(phone calls have repairs their relationship)


Kyrie for Kanter and the Knicks pick

Hayward for expirings

And we end up back in the toilet again??....no thanks.

I am all for trading Hayward, but I don't believe any rumors suggesting there's "uncertainty" over Kyrie staying or going. Also, Al Horford has played really well since coming back from his injury for a guy who's "declining."

Gotta love the gloom and doom.

If I had assurance that Kyrie wouldn't resign, then I would trade him now

The only assurance that Kyrie won't re-sign is being created by the media to stir s** up.

well that is speculation, unless you have behind closed door knowledge.

Haynes’ reporting is speculation, too.

Certainly.  The door swings both ways here.

[Silky]

All I know is with more and more concern that Irving is not going to resign, that objective need to change, and change fast.

Horford is declining, Hayward is currently trash contract.

Davis definately doesnt want to come here because he would have never requested a trade at this point in time knowing that Boston could not trade for him.

And if Davis doesnt come, I cannot see Kyrie staying when he can potentially go to play with Davis in LA and the 2 of them take over after lebron(phone calls have repairs their relationship)


Kyrie for Kanter and the Knicks pick

Hayward for expirings

And we end up back in the toilet again??....no thanks.

I am all for trading Hayward, but I don't believe any rumors suggesting there's "uncertainty" over Kyrie staying or going. Also, Al Horford has played really well since coming back from his injury for a guy who's "declining."

Gotta love the gloom and doom.

If I had assurance that Kyrie wouldn't resign, then I would trade him now

The only assurance that Kyrie won't re-sign is being created by the media to stir s** up.

well that is speculation, unless you have behind closed door knowledge.

Haynes’ reporting is speculation, too.

More meat to his statements than to the opposed

[Kuberski33]

Thinking about this a bit - LeBron's ego is off the charts.  But so is Magic's.  I can't see this marriage lasting over the long term.  I'd love to know what Magic really thinks about LeBron's crew.