So, here it is. The Anthony Davis trade has been made final but not official. The trade will become offical by at least July 6. So here’s my analysis on the deal.
LA Lakers Receive
Forward/Center Anthony Davis
New Orleans Pelicans Receive
Guard Lonzo Ball
Forward/Guard Brandon Ingram
Guard Josh Hart
2019 4th Pick (Forward De’Andre Hunter, who was traded to Atlanta)
Two future first round picks
Washington Wizards Receive
Center Mo Wagner
Guard Isaac Bonga
Guard Jemerrio Jones
What the LA Lakers are getting:LA is getting Anthony Davis, arguably the top center in the game of basketball but we will give him the benefit of the doubt due to the usually injured Joel Embiid. Anyway, Davis can score from inside easily, and is rapidly improving on the perimeter. Davis is mobile on the defensive end, blocking every shot that comes his way. Davis attracts max free agents (now that the Lakers have $32 million to spend) or two-way role players to help LA pursue a championship.
What the New Orleans Pelicans are getting:New Orleans is getting three young pieces to go alongside tenured guard Jrue Holiday, and rookie phenom Zion Williamson. Guard Lonzo Ball will step into the point guard role as a great distributer and excellent defender. Forward Brandon Ingram will give you a scorer every night and an improving defender. Guard Josh Hart gives you a perimeter shooting and improving perimeter defense to use off of the bench. The two future first round picks will help New Orleans keep improving and help them get into the playoffs in the next few years.
What the Washington Wizards are getting:There isn’t much to say about what Washington is getting. Wagner, Bonga, and Jones are guys that will help setup the Wizards’s rebuild once star Guards Bradley Beal and John Wall are off the roster.
Who won the trade?:All three teams got better for the future as every team got what they needed. But if I had to pick a winner, it would be the New Orleans Pelicans. Putting young pieces next to Zion Williamson makes it a major win for this team.
