Anthony Davis Trade Rumors: Lakers Favored, Kawhi Leonard Impact Explained

Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard could have a role to play in Anthony Davis’ potential trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans either this season or over the summer in 2019, according to NBA expert Chris Broussard.

Davis has just under two years remaining on his contract with the Pelicans, but has an option for the 2020-21 season as well. He also will be eligible for a max contract next summer and the New Orleans franchise are likely to make a very tempting offer in order to retain one NBA’s biggest stars.

The power forward is considered among the five best players in the NBA at the moment alongside the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Leonard among others. He is wanted by a number of franchises and gave an indication that he is looking to move when he switched agents over the summer.

The Lakers are said to be big admirers of the forward, while the Boston Celtics are also keen to sign him. Apart from them, the New York Knicks also have cap space to accommodate Davis and will make an offer if the Pelicans agree to a trade.

However, Broussard believes the Pelicans could be tempted to think that Davis will commit his long-term future to them if Leonard does the same with the Raptors. The latter will be a free agent next summer after trading from the San Antonio Spurs earlier this year.

Leonard is expected to join the Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers next summer, but there are a few who believe he could remain with the Raptors when his deal ends after making them genuine contenders from the Eastern Conference. The Toronto franchise has lost just four games this season and comfortably ahead of their challengers in the East.

Broussard believes Leonard can start a trend if he snubs the advances of the Lakers and re-signs with the Raptors when he enters free agency in 2019. He feels it will “embolden” teams to try and hold on to their top assets.

However, if it comes to a race for Davis’ signature, the NBA expert has tipped the Lakers to win ahead of the Celtics and the Knicks, who also have good options to part with in a trade deal.

“If Kawhi Leonard stays in Toronto that’s going to embolden teams to think ‘you know what even though he’s saying he won’t stay maybe he will. Paul George stayed in Oklahoma, Kawhi stayed in Toronto, we can get Anthony Davis to say here,’” Broussard said, as quoted by the Express.

“Boston have got a shot, New York will have a shot,” the NBA expert added. “I would favour the Lakers.”

The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference and have made no secret that they are looking to add one more big free agent next summer after signing James on a four-year deal this year.