Anthony Davis is represented by one of the most high-profile agents in the NBA, Rich Paul. Given the Klutch Sports Group CEO’s connections to the leadership of several franchises, fans wondered how much say he had in the Dallas Mavericks’ call to trade Davis to Washington.
Davis played just 29 games in Dallas before he was moved to the capital. He was sidelined after a hand injury a month ago, and there is no confirmation on when he will take the floor with the Wizards. In his statement to the team, it seemed even Paul was frustrated with Davis’ situation.
The Athletic analyst Joe Vardon wrote in his piece on February 5:
“I’m told Klutch founder Rich Paul wasn’t consulted as the deal for Davis was put together (whereas he was consulted on the trade of Darius Garland to the LA Clippers). This is true. Paul conveyed his message to the Mavericks — do what’s best for the organization, trade Davis or extend him — one month ago.”
Notably, the high-profile agent, who represents stars like LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey, was also kept away from the teams’ decision last year, when Davis was traded to Dallas. However, he initially gave a free hand to the team on Davis’ decision, while he was reportedly consulted on Darius Garland’s trade.
Anthony Davis was part of an eight-player three-team deal that included his Lakers teammate D’Angelo Russell, and he has been moved twice in a year. His injury proneness and missed game time have massively impacted his trade value, given the size of his contract ($54 million this season). His pairing with Trae Young in Washington seems to be a good idea, at least in theory.
“It was unfortunate,” Mavericks HC Jason Kidd opens up on Anthony Davis’ trade
In the 20 games Anthony Davis played with Cooper Flagg, the two looked natural on the court. Both of them are shot creators and can be volume shooters when they get comfortable on the court. Add a Kyrie Irving to it, and that can be a magic recipe. However, that idea could never see the light of day.
After Davis was moved to the capital, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd expressed his thoughts on the team’s decision and the idea of Irving-Davis-Flagg on the court. He said:
“It was unfortunate, (Davis’) health. We never got to see everyone together. Not just A.D. but Kyrie and with Coop (Flagg). Unfortunately, we didn’t have that opportunity. But A.D. is an incredible basketball player and a great human being. We wish him the best in D.C.”
Young is out of the rotation due to a right MCL sprain and a right quad contusion and might suit up after the All-Star break. If the two ever get healthy this season and play together, the Wizards might be able to do good things in the future. The duo can unlock Alexx Sarr’s full potential, who is averaging 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in his second year in the league.
The Wizards might be more than pleased by the midseason trade period. With their young core still intact, the Wizards have added two All-Stars to their side, even though they are in hibernation for now. Let’s see how much damage the two can do once they get healthy and running.
READ MORE: Anthony Davis Trade: Who Won the Blockbuster Move Between Mavericks and Wizards?
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