NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis Trade Would Cost Lakers Four Draft Picks, Everything But LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers appear willing to offer just about anything short of LeBron James in order to acquire Anthony Davis before Thursday’s 2019 NBA trade deadline. L.A. is ready to send a package that includes Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and two first-round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN, in addition to taking on Solomon Hill’s contract.

But it sounds like even that won’t be enough to make New Orleans bite on a deal, at least not during this season.

The latest report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says the Pelicans are asking for four first-round and second-round picks. NBA teams are not allowed to unload more than four first-rounders in one trade.

Pels are waiting on Lakers to overwhelm them w/ an historic haul of picks. To Nola, that means Lakers offering 4 first-round and second-round picks as part of a Davis package. Pels want to be compensated - perhaps even overcompensated - to even consider a deal with LA now. https://t.co/Ft8rfe9EBZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2019

Allow me to capitalize the key wording in @wojespn latest update: “Pels want to be compensated - perhaps even overcompensated - TO EVEN CONSIDER- a deal with LA now.”
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 5, 2019

Ever since Davis’ trade request became public, it’s appeared unlikely that the six-time All-Star would be moved before the deadline. The Boston Celtics have been eyeing Davis for years and can offer New Orleans the most intriguing package, but NBA rules stipulate they can’t have both Davis and Kyrie Irving on their roster under their current contracts. Irving is set to be a free agent this summer.

The Pelicans are in no rush to deal Davis since they will be able to consider more intriguing offers from Boston and possibly the New York Knicks—depending on what happens in the draft lottery—this summer. The Lakers would likely still be willing to trade their core of young players and a few first-rounders for Davis in a couple of months.

According to Wojnarowski, there is a “significant desire within the Pelicans organization” to keep Davis this season and revisit trade talks in the summer.

Los Angeles’ young players aren’t as highly valued as they once were. Ingram and Ball have been inconsistent with both missing time due to multiple injuries. Kuzma’s trade value probably increased this season, though his ceiling isn’t viewed to be as high as that of the two former No.2 overall selections.

It’s possible that New Orleans’ decision to hold off on dealing Davis could end up benefiting Los Angeles. If the Lakers don’t trade for Davis until July, they will be able to offer a max contract to a free agent like Irving, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson or Jimmy Butler.