The NBA trade season is officially here and we’re now on The Brow watch. Speculation surrounding Anthony Davis’ future with the New Orleans Pelicans has been rumored all year.
Now, the clock has started ticking toward the Feb. 7th trade deadline. Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, has informed the Pelicans his client has no intention of signing a contract extension with them this summer and “wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.”
AD has been connected to the Lakers since LeBron James signed. A lot of shine has faded from Los Angeles’ top prospects as they haven’t raised their game while James has been out with injury. Kyle Kuzma has played the most consistent basketball of the bunch. Kuzma has shown flashes of a future All-Star.
The Lakers last option is to include Kuzma. Adding Brandon Ingram beefs up the deal. While he has had an up and down season, many have compared him to KD. Next would be a decision between Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball. Maybe even a first round pick. The selection would be toward the bottom of the round if the Lakers have Davis and LeBron James under their belt.
The Lakers can play hardball, citing what Davis’ 2019-20 salary does to their offseason flexibility. Good luck getting the Pelicans to care! While everyone has been coming up with trade scenarios, the NBA has launched an investigation. “We commenced an investigation this morning upon reading the reports regarding Anthony Davis,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.
Ever since AD signed with Klutch Sports Group where LeBron is signed, the writing has been on the wall for some time. The Pelicans reached the playoffs twice in Davis’ first seven years, and they’re on pace to miss the postseason this season. Any team with LeBron James has a deep run into the playoffs on their mind. So now, we play the waiting game.
