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Toronto Raptors: Would Anthony Davis consider signing with the Raptors?

By Mark Birdsell

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 04: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans leaves the court following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center on February 4, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 04: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans leaves the court following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center on February 4, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Why Davis might decide to leave New Orleans

The question becomes, what will Davis do when he hits free agency?

The Pelicans have not been able to put the proper supporting cast around him. DeMarcus Cousins left in free agency. The team’s big acquisitions this summer were Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton. Randle is solid, but he doesn’t make the Pelicans a contender. Davis may not want to sign a long-term extension with a franchise that cannot get out of the first round.

Another problem, the western conference is getting tougher and tougher. There are at least six teams that figure to be locks to make the playoffs moving forward: Golden State, Houston, Oklahoma City, Denver, Utah and the Lakers. That doesn’t include San Antonio, Minnesota or Portland. Also, the Phoenix Sun should be ready to make the jump in a year or two.

Making the playoffs in the west will be hard to do. A move to the east might make more sense. Outside of the Celtics and 76ers, the east could be wide open.

Davis will be eligible to sign a contract starting at 30 percent of the salary cap or $34.8 million. With their projected cap space, the Raptors would be able to offer him a four-year, $150 million contract.  The Pelicans, however, would likely be able to offer Davis a five-year $238 million contract.[2]

The Raptors have the potential to be one of the best defensive teams in the NBA next season. This starts with Leonard, Anunoby and Siakam. All three players have the speed and lateral quickness to guard on the perimeter. Their length is ridiculous. Adding Davis to that lineup could make it one of toughest defenses in NBA history.

After signing Davis, the Raptors would be left to fill out the roster with minimum salary veterans who want to chase a ring. However, a paring of Leonard and Davis would give the Raptors two elite players in their prime. A move like this would turn the Raptors into perennial title contenders.

Must Read. How the Kawhi trade impacts every player. light

It might seem implausible to think that Davis would ever consider signing with the Raptors. But things move quickly in the NBA. Stars want to play with stars. This is the era of super teams. The first step is resigning Leonard. If Ujiri can do that, anything is possible.

Stats were provided by NBA.com. Salary details were provided by Spotrac.com.

[1] There would be an addition $5.9 million in cap holds for 6 incomplete roster spots. When calculating salary cap space, there is an incomplete roster charge at the league minimum salary ($988,080) for empty spots on the roster, unless the team has 12 players under contract.

[2] In order to qualify for the higher maximum salary, players must meet certain performance criteria. At least one of the following must be true:

  • The player was named to the All-NBA First, Second or Third team in the most recent season, or both of the two seasons that preceded the most recent season.
  • The player was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the most recent season, or both of the two seasons that preceded the most recent season.
  • The player was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in any of the three most recent seasons.