The Boston Celtics' 2018-19 season is (mercifully) over -- which means it's time to fire up the Anthony Davis trade rumors once again.
The prevailing wisdom was that Boston is a serious suitor for Davis this offseason, but its chances of luring the New Orleans Pelicans star and keeping him past the 2019-20 season hinge on whether Kyrie Irving re-signs with the Celtics this summer.
The Athletic's David Aldridge offered an update on that prevailing wisdom Friday:
I’ve heard that Davis wouldn’t completely rule out staying with the Celtics without Irving, but the odds of him re-upping in that scenario are significantly lower.
That Davis would consider coming to the Celtics -- and signing a long-term deal after his contract expires next summer -- without Irving, is notable, especially considering the point guard's future looks much murkier these days after Boston's playoff exit.
The 27-year-old has endured serious criticism after struggling in the Celtics' second-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks, leading some to wonder if Wednesday's Game 5 was his last in a C's uniform. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are among several teams that would jump at the chance to sign Irving on July 1 if his "engagement" with Boston really is off.
Boston Celtics
As Aldridge points out, the Celtics likely will pursue Davis aggressively either way and take their chances on his long-term preferences, à la the Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard. But it appears there is a scenario where Davis and Irving are just ships passing in the night.
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