NBA Rumors: All Celtics players on table in Anthony Davis trade talks

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The Boston Celtics reportedly have coveted Anthony Davis for years. As such, they're not taking any chances.

The Celtics can't trade for the New Orleans Pelicans star before the NBA trade deadline without moving Kyrie Irving. And in an effort to convince New Orleans not to deal Davis to another team before Feb. 7, Danny Ainge apparently is putting his entire stacked hand on the table.

From ESPN's Brian Windhorst on Thursday night:

... The Celtics reached out to the New Orleans Pelicans this week and told them they'd be willing to discuss all players on their roster in a Davis trade that could be made after the season when Irving is expected to become a free agent, sources said.

"All players" presumably means Boston's crown jewel asset: 20-year-old forward Jayson Tatum.

The wording is important here, as Windhorst reported the Celtics are "willing to discuss" their whole roster in a trade. The C's obviously would prefer to acquire Davis without giving up Tatum, and they'll likely try to do just that. They even could decline to deal with New Orleans if it holds out for Tatum.

But at the very least, it appears Ainge is open to discussing every player on his roster, which should be a powerful draw for Dell Demps. The Pelicans general manager reportedly has been fielding trade proposals from several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, but Boston still can offer New Orleans the best package for Davis -- especially if Tatum is involved -- if Demps is willing to wait until the summer.

A potential snag in Pelicans-Celtics negotiations is if Irving wavers in his commitment to re-sign in Boston on July 1, which could scare Davis off. But that's an issue for a later date, as the C's just need the Pelicans to hold onto Davis until the Feb. 7 deadline passes to have a shot at him this offseason.

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