Haberstroh: Anthony Davis to Lakers is a ‘crushing blow' to Celtics

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Did the Celtics make a mistake by not overwhelming the Pelicans with an offer for Anthony Davis?

The C's reportedly refused to include forward Jayson Tatum in a deal, so New Orleans opted to roll with the Lakers' lucrative trade package instead. Davis probably would have only been a one-year rental with Boston, but NBC Sports' Tom Haberstroh still believes their failure to acquire Davis is a "crushing blow."

Here's why:

As for the outside teams looking in, this is a crushing blow to the Boston Celtics, who might lose Irving now that Davis is heading West. The Celtics have long believed that trading for Davis would be the best chance in keeping Irving long-term, sources say. But now they’re looking at a revamped 2018 playoff redux with Terry Rozier, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way with Gordon Hayward back in the driver’s seat.

Assuming Irving doesn't re-sign -- a fair assumption given the Nets rumors flying around -- the Celtics will have to find a way to build around Tatum and Jaylen Brown while hoping Gordon Hayward returns to being Gordon Hayward.

Irving's free agency isn't the only murky situation right now for the C's. Al Horford's contract situation remains up in the air as well, as the veteran big man reportedly remains undecided on his player option for next season.

Time will tell whether the Celtics' decision to not pull the trigger on a Davis trade will be a regrettable one. For now, it'll be interesting to see what Danny Ainge has up his sleeve for a backup plan.

Clint Capela, anyone?

>> Read Haberstroh's full column on the Davis deal here

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