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The entire basketball world is hinging on a potential Anthony Davis trade, and things just got a little more interesting.
At first, it was reported that AD only wanted to be traded to the Lakers, but now, Shams Charania reports that Davis has opened it up to four possible teams; the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Anthony Davis’ representatives have informed the Pelicans that he would sign long-term with the Lakers, Knicks, Bucks and Clippers if he is traded, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2019
Davis is clearly one of the best players in the NBA. He is easily a top-five player, and some would argue that he’s in the top three. With that being said, he is a high commodity player that is going to shake up the basketball atmosphere when he changes teams.
The Lakers are the frontrunners right now, but the other three teams have until Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. (trade deadline) to make a more appealing offer.
At first, it looked like the Pelicans weren’t going to give into Davis’ wishes, especially to the Lakers, but now we’ve seen multiple reports from Woj that the Lakers and Pelicans have been in numerous talks about the former Kentucky Wildcats star.
Lakers president Magic Johnson and Pelicans GM Dell Demps have had multiple conversations today, league sources tell ESPN. There's no sense how much progress sides have made progress toward a possible trade, but the Lakers have absolutely gotten more serious in the discussions. https://t.co/R84Aetv9n3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2019
Even though a deal hasn’t been made, there has been tons of progress towards one. The Lakers have been open in saying that pretty much every player on their roster is up for grabs except the obvious - LeBron James.
Now, it appears L.A. has followed through with that and is offering everything but LeBron to get Davis.
Landed in Indy; update on Lakers-Pelicans talks. Magic Johnson, Dell Demps talked twice today, per source. Lakers willing to give Pelicans cap relief for Anthony Davis by taking Solomon Hill for Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ingram, Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Beasley, 2 1st round picks.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) February 4, 2019
There are also members of the Pelicans organization that want this deal to get done, but others would rather wait until the summer.
Pelicans source:
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) February 4, 2019
Right now Dell Demps (and Danny Ferry, who’s very much involved in all aspects of Anthony Davis trade situation) are NOT taking Lakers offer @BA_Turner first reported.
Some in Pels organization want LA deal.
I’m told NOLA believes it can get Tatum this summer. pic.twitter.com/JkFD4sMyBD
Young talent, first-round picks and cap relief? It’s going to hard for the Pelicans to get that kind of deal from anyone, even if they wait until the summer to deal Davis.
For what it’s worth, Lonzo Ball has removed ‘Lakers’ from his Twitter profile...
To see LeBron and AD play together would be a blast. They teamed up on the 2012 Olympic team when Davis had just won an NCAA Championship and LeBron was fresh off of his first NBA Championship.
And if that deal got done, we’d still get to see a strong Kentucky contingent in New Orleans with Rajon Rondo, Julius Randle and Darius Miller, while Davis would get to compete for a title in L.A., though probably not until next season.
The chances of a deal happening before the deadline still aren’t great, but you better believe each of these teams will do everything they can to make it happen.
Get ready for a wild week.