Celtics Have Key Disadvantage in Race to Trade for Anthony Davis
By Zack Jiang
The Celtics are still aggressively pursuing Anthony Davis in trade talks despite Davis' representation making it clear that its star doesn't plan on committing to the team long term. If Boston decides to take the risk, they could potentially put up the best package of any team. However, yet another caveat could hold them back.
Davis' contract has a 15% trade kicker worth $4 million that will activate after July 1. This trade kicker will further limit the team financially and is a obstacle that won't be an issue (or as significant) for other teams.
Keep in mind that Anthony Davis has a 15% trade kicker worth $4M after July 1.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 12, 2019
Not altering the bonus would have big financial implications on what Boston would have to send out and toward what type of flexibility Los Angeles could have.
Due to the Rose Rule, the Celtics cannot trade for Davis until at least July 1 when Kyrie Irving either leaves or re-signs with the team. Meanwhile, other teams such as the Knicks and Lakers are able to make the transaction before the trade kicker deadline, avoiding the extra financial burden.
Of course Davis could always waive the trade kicker, but with how much the superstar has seemingly tried to avoid a trade to Boston, that seems unlikely. This small obstacle could end up being a major tool for Davis' team as it can have significant financial implications.
If the Lakers do get Anthony Davis, getting him to waive his 15% trade kicker could be the difference between having a max slot open & not having one.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 28, 2019
2019 salaries of LeBron + AD + Deng's 5M buyout figure = 70M, and that's without the kicker or any other contracts.
While $4 million doesn't seem like a lot, the number grows due to the Celtics being over the luxury tax threshold.