The AD trade drama increases
When Anthony Davis first requested a trade from New Orleans before the deadline last season, there were three main teams in trade talks with the Pelicans, trying to land the superstar big man.
Now, of course, another team could come in and snatch Davis away but this thing still looks to be between the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks and now the Pelicans too since their new GM, David Griffin seems set on trying to get AD to stay.
After the draft lottery, the Knicks’ chances took a hit basically because they didn’t land the number one pick. I don’t think New Orleans would accept an offer like the third pick plus a guy like Mitchell Robinson. New York does have guys like Alonzo Trier and Kevin Knox as well but I don’t know if they would like to move the majority of their young core. Plus, the Knicks are likely going to be focused on free agency this summer anyway as they have room for not one, but two max free agents!
The Celtics (as I mentioned) have also taken a hit in the sweepstakes since a lot of their draft picks are turning out to be less valuable than once thought. Plus guys like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have seen their trade value drop compared to where it was, say, at the end of last season.
I think the Pelicans’ chances of keeping Davis improved slightly when they brought in David Griffin and then even more when they got the No. 1 pick. However, if rumors are to be believed, Davis still wants out…
Which leaves the Lakers who can now offer the fourth pick as well as some of their young assets. For them, it just depends on how the Pels feel about guys like Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma or how concerned they are about the health of Brandon Ingram. Another option for LA would be to move Lonzo to the Bulls in exchange for their 7th pick plus Kris Dunn which would give them yet another high draft pick as well as even more assets to complete a potential blockbuster deal.
So – to sum up – the NBA draft lottery has been good for the Pelicans and Lakers but bad for the Celtics and Knicks (so far, at least).