Grading the Anthony Davis Trade Post 2019 NBA Draft

https://fadeawayworld.net/2019/06/17/3-reasons-why-the-pelicans-won-the-anthony-davis-trade/

After a season full of drama, on June 16, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers finally completed a blockbuster trade where the Pelicans traded superstar Anthony Davis for a handful of players and draft picks from the Lakers. In specific, the Pelicans received Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first round picks (including the Lakers 4th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft). This trade was much anticipated as Davis expressed his desire to play elsewhere early in the season and both the Lakers and the Pelicans both had mutual interest. Early reactions from the trade indicated that the Lakers paid a much higher price for Anthony Davis with not only 3 young and budding stars but also 3 first round picks with which the Pelicans could harvest more talent. However, it is also important to consider what the New Orleans Pelicans did with their 4th overall pick in order to understand the complete haul from the trade.

On Thursday June 20th, the Pelicans were able to add on to their haul by trading their 4th pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the the 8th,17th, and 35th pick. In addition, the Pelicans also sent Solomon Hill and a future second round pick to the Hawks. This way, the Pelicans were able to acquire two high picks in the draft as well as a high second round pick for their 4th pick, adding on to their large amount of prospects acquired through the Anthony Davis trade. With their 8th round pick, the Pelicans selected C Jaxson Hayes and they selected G Nickeil Alexander-Walker and SG Marcos Louzada Silva with their 17th and 35th pick, respectively.

Lakers

The major takeaway for the Lakers was that they received superstar Anthony Davis to pair up with Lebron James. Davis and James can create a formidable frontcourt that have immediately elevated them into top contenders for the 2020 NBA Season. This creates a great foundation for the Lakers squad. This allows them to build around their team and possibly attract free agents such as Kemba Walker or Kyrie Irving. This marriage of superstars consolidates power on the Lakers and also ensures that the Lakers will be a force to come in the future.

However, the Lakers did pay up plenty in order to acquire Anthony Davis. Giving up young talent such as Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram will greatly hurt as those players have great potential and can grow into stars for the Pelicans. Josh Hart is also a very dependable scorer that will add on to any type of offense he is in. Also, giving up three first round picks (the 4th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, a top 8 protected pick in 2021, and a 2024 first round pick) is a steep price. This means that the Lakers are giving up their future and are focused on win-now seasons.

Grade: C

Pelicans

The Pelicans secured a major win through this trade. Many knew that Anthony Davis was disgruntled and wanted a trade. The fact that the Pelicans had such a high return is very surprising as his value would have been higher if he was dealt around the trade deadline. However, negotiating a large return from the Lakers means that the Pelicans did a great job. Acquiring three young prospects in Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart allows the Pelicans to have a solid team to team up with young phenom Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart have evolved into scoring machines that can thrive in New Orleans. Lonzo Ball is a great point guard to build around. His playmaking potential is immense and can immediately change this team. With the first pick in this year, the Pelicans were able to make Anthony Davis expendable by selecting Zion Williamson who seems to be a more athletic and younger version of Anthony Davis.

In addition to acquiring several young stars, the New Orleans Pelicans also acquired several first round picks key to building their future. They were able to draft several young prospects in the 2019 Draft with Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Marcos Louzada Silva. These young prospects can add on to overall talent on the Pelicans roster creating a more complete team. The future first round picks that the Pelicans acquired can be used to add on talent and create a better team. Although the Pelicans did trade their franchise player, they did acquire a great haul in the process which can make the Pelicans a better team in the long run.

Grade: A-