Report: Pelicans torn on dealing Davis at deadline, Celtics urging summer move

The New Orleans Pelicans have engaged directly with the Los Angeles Lakers on Anthony Davis trade talks but there remains opposition within the organization to dealing him before Thursday's trade deadline, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Los Angeles has increased its offer to New Orleans to include Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and two first-round picks - as well as a willingness to also absorb Solomon Hill's contract from the Pelicans, Wojnarowski reports.

The Lakers' best chance of landing Davis via trade is in a pre-deadline deal, given that other teams - most notably the Boston Celtics - can make more substantial offers in the offseason.

Davis' camp, led by agent Rich Paul, has clearly attempted to dissuade the Celtics, including reportedly releasing a list of teams with which Davis would sign long-term. Boston was not on that list.

Still, the Celtics remain unfazed, according to Wojnarowski, who adds general manager Danny Ainge has directly urged Pelicans GM Dell Demps to wait until the offseason when Boston can make an offer for Davis.

The Celtics cannot deal for the superstar power forward in-season because he and Kyrie Irving are on the same type of designated rookie extension through the end of this campaign.

Irving's pending free agency is not affecting Boston's pursuit of the Pelicans star, sources told Wojnarowski. He adds the Celtics are confident Irving will re-sign with them this summer, especially if they acquire Davis.

Boston boasts a wealth of appealing trade assets with young talents such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on its roster. The Celtics could also have up to four first-round picks in this June's draft.