Anthony Davis might be shut down for the remainder of the season. That's going to have a significant impact on his ability to earn All-NBA honors and thus activate the Rose Rule clause in his contract extension signed last July. Failing to make an All-NBA team could cost Davis over $24 million on his contract extension. In the first year alone it will cost Davis roughly $4.3 million, an amount the New Orleans Pelicans will immediately reap as potential salary cap room.
$4.3 million less for Anthony Davis is enough to create "max contract" room for the Pelicans without making any trades whatsoever.