NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans Acquiring John Wall May Convince Anthony Davis To Stay

The New Orleans Pelicans are unsurprisingly in the headlines recently, with most rendering theories on the future of Anthony Davis. The 25-year-old big man has been linked to several teams come the offseason, although Dell Demps and company still have the last say.

As mentioned in a previous post, the best way to keep him is to surround Davis with players who can help the team become more competitive. Several names were mentioned in the past, mostly tied up with the guard position. Apparently, the Pelicans need a reliable and tested guard to keep the team together.

Darren Collison or even Cory Joseph could do a better job than Jrue Holiday or E’Twaun Moore. But if there is one name that could make an impact, it may be in the person of John Wall of the Washington Wizards.

There is no question that Davis needs another star to play alongside him to increase their chances of winning and have a successful campaign. Wall could be that guy, but the Pelicans will need to find the right assets to convince the Wizards to consummate the trade.

For those who have been following the Washington Wizards situation, it was made public that anyone on the team is dispensable. Aside from Wall, Bradley Beal and Kelly Oubre Jr. were up for grabs. So far, the only one who has been dealt is Oubre Jr., who is now with the Phoenix Suns.

Wall, a player likely to be pursued by teams in need of a legitimate star, could partner with Davis to elevate the Pelicans’ stock next season. Jason Calmes of the Bourbon Street Shots believes it would be a good fit. He even singled out how Davis had liked a photo of Wall on Instagram, the first photo AD had liked of Wall since July 12.

There is no clue yet on who the Pelicans may deal for Wall if it is something in consideration. But what is clear is that the Pelicans may need to clear up some salary space to add him to the fold. Wall signed a four-year, $170 million deal with the Wizards on July 2017.

He is on the last year of his previous five-year, $85 million contract and is due to make $19.2 million this year. His expensive contract is something that has kept most teams away, so it will be interesting if the Pelicans are also using that as a point for consideration.

Whether it be Wall or someone else, the fact remains that the Pelicans need to sign another superstar. And if there are indeed plans, they need to do it fast if they want to keep their prized big man for more years to come.