It seems like any significant trade talks for Anthony Davis are on hold for now.
Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin plans to visit with Davis in Los Angeles in the coming weeks to talk to him about remaining with the franchise.
Speaking on a conference call to introduce new general manager Trajan Langdon on Tuesday, Griffin reiterated that he's optimistic Davis will want to stay in New Orleans.
"We'll definitely visit and I think that's the next step, really it's to look eachother in the eye and talk about what's important to us," Griffin said of his meeting with Davis, which will take place during agencies' pre-draft workouts in LA. "We're very optimistic from previous conversations with Rich Paul, his agent, and with all of the people here who know him and know what he's about -- we're very confident that we have a compelling situation for him here.
"And if winning is what he is indeed all about, which we have every reason to believe, we feel confident that we can create the right, and are creating the right, environment for Anthony and frankly for high-caliber players of all types to want to be part of. This is something we hope creates an energy that recruits itself and Anthony would just be one step in that process."
It's hard to see Davis changing his stance on wanting to be traded from New Orleans, but anything is possible. Assuming Davis still desires to be traded, the Knicks will certainly be interested.
Davis, per SNY sources, would be open to re-signing with New York if he felt like he could succeed with the club. The Lakers and Celtics are among the other teams who can make compelling offers for Davis.
It's unclear how willing Griffin would be to deal with the Lakers, given the reported animosity between the two clubs from their failed talks prior to the 2019 trade deadline. Though one opposing executive told SNY after the NBA Lottery that several executives still see the Lakers as a possible destination for both Davis and Kyrie Irving.
The Knicks can offer New Orleans a package of young players and draft picks, including the No. 3 pick in the 2019 Draft.
Griffin also pushed back on the idea that any top pick would not want to play in New Orleans. Zion Williamson was excited about the prospect of playing for the Knicks prior to the Lottery, SNY sources said, confirming an ESPN report. That's not necessarily an indication that he doesn't want to play in New Orleans, of course.
Griffin and head coach Alvin Gentry met with Williamson and his parents after the Lottery and Griffin met with Ja Morant the next day in Chicago.
"Either one of them would be thrilled to join us in New Orleans and they're both very much excited about the concept," Griffin said.