Anthony Davis Free Agency : Anthony Davis is believed to re-sign with the Lakers, but not immediately
Advertisement
The free-agency commences at 6 P.M E.T today. While there is little to no doubt about Anthony Davis re-signing with the Lakers, it is rumored he may not do so immediately.
Anthony Davis’ agent and CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul is supposed to be in contact with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka from the start of the free agency window. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Anthony Davis will wait till Thanksgiving at the least as he considers his options.
Also Read: “All the season-ending injuries that have surrounded the Warriors in recent times”
Anthony Davis was a key part of the 2019-20 Lakers team that won a championship in the Orlando Bubble. The Lakers traded away a lot of assets to sign him, so there is no doubt they would do their best to keep him.
What might be the reason behind Anthony Davis not signing immediately?
Anthony Davis opted not to sign an extension with the Lakers, back in January 2020. Then, he declined his $28.7 million player option for the 2020-21 season. This makes him a free agent as of 6 PM this evening. Even though Davis is going to sign back with the Lakers, what might be the reason why he wouldn’t sign immediately?
ESPN Sources: Anthony Davis is on course to return to the Lakers, but don’t expect a formal commitment in the immediate hours and days after free agency opens. Davis will take time to consider the structure and length of a new max contract. https://t.co/nHBQfBGwJq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 20, 2020
Also Read: “Russell Westbrook not a priority for the Knicks right now”
Anthony Davis might be considering his options regarding the length of his deal and how he wants it structured. There are several possible scenarios on the board right now for AD. One of the most probable deal is a 3 year, $106 million deal with a player option in the third year. This aligns AD’s contract with the end of LeBron James’ contract.
Anthony Davis could also do a shorter deal, 2 years $68 million or longer ones. A four year, $146.7 million deal or a five year, $189 million deal. It isn’t only Anthony Davis who might be behind delaying the deal. Davis’ agent Rich Paul is known for stretching deals in free agency, as he did with LeBron in Cleveland.
Rich Paul also represents another Lakers’ free-agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Paul also would be looking to find a more paying deal for KCP with the Lakers or considering other options.