Pelicans' Davis likely to stick to trade request despite Griffin meeting

New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis is unlikely to back off his trade stance despite a "respectful, productive" meeting in Los Angeles with head of

New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis is unlikely to back off his trade stance despite a "respectful, productive" meeting in Los Angeles with head of basketball operations David Griffin, according to Shams Charania of Stadium.

Meanwhile, Scott Kushner of the New Orleans Advocate reported that the "posturing" between both the Pelicans and Davis' camp are likely just beginning.

"If anyone expected this meeting to spring anything other than this result, they haven’t been paying attention or can’t grasp reality," Kushner wrote.

Davis requested a trade in January but the Pelicans were unable to reach a suitable deal by the deadline in February They have since replaced former general manager Dell Demps with Griffin, and won the draft lottery and the No. 1 overall pick.

Griffin said at his introductory press conference last month that he intended to meet with Davis to try to convince Davis to stay. Griffin said he already met with Rich Paul, Davis' agent, and had a productive conversation. Griffin and Paul have had a strong working relationship since Griffin's days as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

At that time, Paul's top client, LeBron James, offered strong vocal support of Griffin.

But despite all that, it appears Davis will march on with his desire to be dealt. He can opt out of his contract and become a free agent in July 2020 -- but most opposing teams are not concerned with that and may be willing to trade for Davis, even as a possible one-year rental.

Because of the Paul-James connection, Davis is said to prefer a trade to the Lakers. The Pelicans may be more inclined to deal him to the Boston Celtics, who own three first-round draft picks and younger talent in Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown.

Several reports also suggested the health of Lakers wing Brandon Ingram, who suffered blood clots at the end of the season, may be greatly diminishing his trade value. Ingram would be the type of player on the Pelicans' radar if they were to deal Davis to the Lakers.

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are two more teams expected to make aggressive runs at Davis.