Rich Paul Drops Davis-LeBron Hint In Huge Boston Celtics Shutdown

Rich Paul has a huge role in the NBA, and he is well aware of it. LeBron James’ agent is involved in every major deal across the league, and he always plays big. Wonder why? He is powerful, and his word is respected. Anthony Davis is his client, too. The Pelicans star has been involved in numerous trade rumors since he requested a trade from New Orleans.

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are interested in Davis. The Los Angeles Lakers are also part of the game. What does Paul say about this?

“They can trade for him, but it’ll be for one year,” Paul said, in a Sports Illustrated feature. “I mean: If the Celtics traded for Anthony Davis, we would go there and we would abide by our contractual [obligations] and we would go into free agency in 2020. I’ve stated that to them. But in the event that he decides to walk away and you give away assets? Don’t blame Rich Paul.”

According to Paul, Davis won’t sign an extension.

“Where he’s going to land? I have no idea. And it don’t matter. We’re going into free agency. Why does it matter to me where he goes? Earth: We’re going into free agency. He has a year, he has to play. But after that, I can’t say it no bigger: WE ARE GOING INTO FREE AGENCY. 2020: ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE IN FREE AGENCY.”

Is Los Angeles a preferred destination?

“LeBron’s 34 years old. Anthony Davis is 26,” Paul said.

“So when LeBron’s done playing, the Anthony Davis trade is still rolling. What better place to do it than L.A.? If it was L.A.—I never said ‘L.A.’ But there’s no negative to that. Who gives a s— what you’re talking about, about me trying to help LeBron out? No, I’m not. I’m trying to help Anthony Davis. Now, if helping Anthony Davis helps LeBron in the long run? So be it. But my goal is Anthony Davis.”

Are the Knicks a good option for Davis? “The only difference is, they don’t have as many championships as the Lakers. They got a tradition. It’s a big market—not that it’s only big markets. They have cap space, flexibility, they’re able to absorb more than one star. What’s wrong with that?”

“See, everybody wants to fabricate the facts when it’s me,” Paul said when explaining his thoughts on the Lakers. “That’s just like saying, ‘No, A-Rod, don’t marry J-Lo. Are you out of your f—in’ mind, man?’ This is Jennifer Lopez! I mean, who would you rather me marry? The Lakers are Jennifer Lopez. You don’t want me to date Jennifer Lopez? Give me a reason I shouldn’t date J-Lo!”