Lakers Favored To Trade For Anthony Davis, Celtics, Knicks, 76ers Considered Possible Destinations

The biggest story in the NBA has little do with this season. With the Golden State Warriors largely expected to cruise to another championship, many fans and media members are already looking ahead to the 2019-2020 season, and more specifically, where Anthony Davis will be playing.

Because Davis only has one year left on his contract and the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t close to winning a title, there’s speculation that the superstar won’t sign an extension with the team this summer. That would likely mean Davis intends to leave as a free agent in 2020, forcing New Orleans to trade him and avoid losing one of the NBA’s best players for nothing.

Teams around the league are already preparing for the possibility that Davis will become available. Davis has certainly been asked about it, and LeBron James has even commented on potentially playing with the five-time All-Star.

The Los Angeles Lakers are given the best odds to acquire Davis within the next eight months. They are followed by the Boston Celtics. L.A. and Boston are considered to be the top two suitors for the big man because of the young players and draft picks they could potentially send to New Orleans.

New Orleans is actually given the best odds to have Davis on their roster at the start of next season. They can offer him a five-year, $239 million contract in July. If the Pelicans hold onto Davis, he can only make $152 million from another team in 2020 free agency.

A potential Lakers’ trade package doesn’t look as enticing as it might have a few months ago. Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are still young, but neither former No.2 overall pick has proven that they will be a future All-Star. Kyle Kuzma has probably increased his value by averaging 19.3 points per game in his second season.

Boston’s assets have taken a hit, as well. Jaylen Brown has regressed this season. The Celtics will likely have the Sacramento Kings’ 2019 first-round draft pick, but Sacramento has exceeded expectations and probably won’t be near the top of the draft. Jayson Tatum has also been somewhat of a disappointment, though he would still pique New Orleans’ interest in potential trade talks.

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are included as possible landing spots for Davis, though they aren’t given nearly the same odds as the Lakers or Celtics. While there haven’t been any rumors of New York or Philadelphia considering a deal for Davis, both teams have pieces that could make for a competitive offer.

The Knicks could put Kristaps Porzingis, Kevin Knox and one of the top picks in June’s draft in a trade offer. The 76ers have a chance to outbid every suitor by putting Ben Simmons on the table. Philadelphia probably isn’t thinking about dealing the point guard as they pursue a title this season.

Davis could miss up to four weeks with a fractured finger. The Pelicans are three games out of the playoffs after 47 games.