Rich Paul: Celtics should view potential Davis trade as rental deal

As Anthony Davis trade rumors begin to heat up again, the superstar's agent is providing a warning to the Boston Celtics.

"They can trade for him, but it'll be for one year," Rich Paul told Sports Illustrated's S.L. Price. "I mean if the Celtics traded for Anthony Davis, we would go there and we would abide by our contractual (obligations) and we would go into free agency in 2020. I've stated that to them. But in the event that he decides to walk away and you give away assets? Don't blame Rich Paul."

Davis is under contract for $28.7 million through 2019-20. The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to move him this summer, although they have until next season's trade deadline to strike a deal before losing him for nothing as a free agent.

Following Davis' trade request this past February, his father told ESPN he didn't want the 26-year-old playing for the Celtics. But Boston is believed to be capable of offering a highly competitive trade package for the six-time All-Star, given the team's wealth of player assets and picks - three of which come in the first round of next week's draft.

Paul didn't completely dismiss speculation that he's trying to unite Davis with his other client, LeBron James, on the Los Angeles Lakers, although he said his priority right now is Davis.

"The cherry on top," Paul said. "LeBron's 34 years old. Anthony Davis is 26. So when LeBron's done playing, the Anthony Davis trade is still rolling. What better place to do it than L.A.? If it was L.A. - I never said 'L.A.' But there's no negative to that.

"Who gives a shit what you're talking about, about me trying to help LeBron out? No, I'm not. I'm trying to help Anthony Davis. Now, if helping Anthony Davis helps LeBron in the long run? So be it. But my goal is Anthony Davis."