Thursday 13 June 2019 09:39, UK
Anthony Davis could be on the move soon, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics pushing to the front of the line for the disgruntled New Orleans Pelicans' big man.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on Wednesday the Lakers opened talks with the Pelicans and are attempting to use the No 4 overall pick in the June 20 Draft to add a veteran that could be sent to New Orleans.
The New York Times reported that forward Brandon Ingram and guard Lonzo Ball have both been made available in trade talks, in addition to the fourth pick.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been in on a Davis deal for months and already has a strong working relationship with New Orleans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin. Boston are thought to be dangling a package of players and picks that would more adequately meet the list of demands Griffin shared with teams.
Second-year standout Jayson Tatum and multiple picks in the June 20 Draft - the Celtics own picks 14, 20 and 22 - could compel Griffin to move Davis, but it might take a third team to jump in for a deal to make sense for all involved.
Davis' agent, who also represents the Lakers' LeBron James, told Sports Illustrated a deal to Boston would result in a one-year rental agreement before Davis enters free agency in July 2020.
"They can trade for him, but it'll be for one year," Paul told Sports Illustrated. "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."
The Lakers and New York Knicks are reportedly the ideal landing spots for Davis. The Knicks have the third overall pick in the Draft - presumed to be RJ Barrett of Duke - and abundant space under the salary cap to make a sign-and-trade swap work.
