There are a few things worth noting about this situation, and where Davis’ head seems to be based on people close him.
He Hasn’t Asked, And They Aren’t Looking
As things stand today both Davis and the Pelicans are not looking for a divorce. In fact, they seem to be pretty unified. League sources have said the Pelicans have been exploring options – like all NBA teams do at this point in the season – and are looking to add to the team, not meaningfully subtract. Davis hasn’t even hinted at being unhappy with his situation, according to sources close to the process, but it’s clear that Davis expects the team to make whatever moves necessary to ensure they make the postseason. But his camp hasn’t expressed any desire to move. In fact, internally, they have said the same things Davis is saying publicly that he wants to win in New Orleans.
In His Heart He Wants A Reason To Stay
Davis’ dream scenario is to win a championship in New Orleans. Equally, sources close to the situation have said repeatedly that Davis wants a reason to stay. The supermax contract the Pelicans can offer is part of that, but also surrounding him with complimentary stars that can really challenge matters, too, which brings the situation back to the front office being aggressive. The good news for the Pelicans is that some of their bad contract decisions are starting to age out. The Pelicans are looking at a little bit of cap space this summer, and some soon-to-be ending contracts to peddle around the draft in June to work with.
The Change In Agents Was About Being A Bigger Brand
Sources close to the situation said Davis’ decision to change agents wasn’t as much about forcing his way out of New Orleans as it was aligning with an agency with relationships all across the media landscape. Davis’ inner circle has long believed he should have more endorsements and a bigger NBA presence, and signing with Klutch was more about that than his next contract or his next team.
8th Place Isn’t Good Enough
In the end, if Davis leaves the franchise, it will be because the team can’t be more than an eighth seed contender. Sources close to the Pelicans continue to say they’ll do whatever they have to do to compete. It is going to be on the front office to make more moves, and that means being aggressive this year when the trade window really comes open. There is no doubt that Davis could follow the path other stars have paved and exit at some point in the future, but, for now, neither he nor the Pelicans seem to be looking for an exit anytime soon.