Report: Anthony Davis could wait until after July 1 to sign extension
Take a deep breath, New Orleans Pelicans fans. There's a pretty big day for your franchise fast approaching, and things might not go exactly according to plan — at least, not right away.
No, it isn't the draft, as New Orleans doesn't have a first-round pick this year. At 12:01 a.m. ET on July 1, the Pelicans can offer Anthony Davis the full designated player contract extension — five years at the max. It's the so-called "Rose Rule" contract which becomes worth even more of Davis is named to multiple All-NBA teams, is deemed MVP or starts multiple All-Star games. The Pelicans are reportedly raring to go and will offer Davis such an extension as soon as possible.
But Michael McNamara of Bourbon Street Shots writes that Davis shouldn't be expected to sign the deal immediately, as there are a couple of things Davis is interested in watching unfold first:
"The source says that Davis loves New Orleans, but he is still anxious to see how several things play out before committing for five more years. Namely, he wants to spend some time with new coach Alvin Gentry, while also seeing how the ownership situation plays out, and how Dell Demps manages the roster."
And if anything, that should be good news for the Pelicans. It puts a little bit of pressure on the team to put together the best possible roster, and it allows New Orleans to make sure all of the pieces fit before everyone is committed long-term for the future. As McNamara writes, Davis knows that the same contract offer will still be on the table later in the summer; there's no rush for The Brow to sign the extension until he's comfortable.
(h/t Bourbon Street Shots)
Photo Credit: Layne Murdoch Jr./Getty Images
