Carmelo Anthony recalls failed Anthony Davis Pelicans trade deal. [Image Source: BASKETBALLFOREVER]
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony disclosed on a recent episode of 7PM in Brooklyn that a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans nearly happened, which would have created a star trio alongside him, DeMarcus Cousins, and Anthony Davis. This revelation came during a conversation with four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, who appeared as a guest. Anthony shared that the deal ultimately fell through due to the Pelicans’ hesitation and contract complications, despite the potential to build a competitive team around Davis.
Details of Anthony’s Career Moves and Trade Attempts
Following his last season with the New York Knicks in 2017, Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he joined forces with Russell Westbrook and Paul George to form a prominent trio. Anthony expressed regret about this trade, implying it was not his preferred direction. The Thunder’s general manager, Sam Presti, was keen on assembling a strong lineup centered on Westbrook. Meanwhile, the Pelicans took longer to finalize decisions, which contributed to the unsuccessful trade.
Anthony explained,
“New Orleans was not guaranteed option,”
Anthony said.
“New Orleans couldn’t pull the trigger that fast.”
He also mentioned that the Pelicans had involved him in the process by providing a Pelicans jersey as part of their recruitment efforts.
“I did have a Pelicans jersey, that was the recruiting pitch.”
Potential Impact of the Pelicans’ Proposed Big 3
Had the trade materialized, many believed this trio could have disrupted the Golden State Warriors‘ dominance in the NBA. Carmelo Anthony recalled the widespread speculation at the time:
Image of: Anthony Davis
“Everybody at that time was saying, ‘Oh, they can beat Golden State because of them two.’ That was the conversation.”
Unfortunately, injury struck as DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon during his first full season with New Orleans, which sidelined him and further complicated the team’s trajectory.
Carmelo Anthony’s Perspective on Jayson Tatum’s Injury and Return
Aside from discussing the Pelicans trade, Anthony shared his views on Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that ended his season prematurely. While no clear timetable exists for Tatum’s comeback, he has hinted at a possible return before the regular season concludes. Anthony, speaking during NBA All-Star Weekend, expressed optimism about Tatum’s eventual return and the impact it could have on the league.
He stated,
“And if JT could come back, I think it scares the league,”
the Knicks star said (Timestamp at 2:46).
“Because now you don’t have to really focus on implementing Jayson Tatum back into the actual lineup. He’s going to be on limited minutes, so you can play him and figure out how you really want to implement him into the grand scheme of things and still allow … Jaylen Brown to continue to lead that team for right now.”
Anthony also noted the challenges Tatum will face in regaining full effectiveness, emphasizing the need for time to overcome any rust from his injury.
Implications for NBA Teams and Future Outlook
The near-formation of a Pelicans Big 3 involving Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony highlights how quickly NBA team dynamics can shift due to trades and injuries. While the Pelicans missed an opportunity to challenge the Warriors more directly, the scenario underscores ongoing efforts by franchises to build championship-contending squads through strategic acquisitions. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics await Jayson Tatum’s recovery, a development that could alter competitive balance once he returns.
As the NBA landscape evolves with key players moving and returning from injuries, teams like the Pelicans and Celtics continue to adjust their plans to remain competitive in an increasingly fierce league.
"I did have a Pelicans jersey, that was the recruiting pitch."
