The Suns could benefit from Anthony Davis‘ trade request, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic explains. If Davis gets his way and lands in Los Angeles, Lonzo Ball could be shipped elsewhere and chatter out of Ball’s camp is that he prefers to go somewhere without an established point guard.
Phoenix is one of the few teams in immediate need of a starting floor general. Rankin identifies Josh Jackson as a player who could be sent to the Pelicans in a potential Lakers-Pelicans-Suns three way trade. Dealing Jackson for Ball makes sense for a team with a bevy of young prospects on the roster.
Here’s more from the Western Conference:
- Davis didn’t earn a starting spot in the All-Star game in the crowded Western Conference and Marc Stein of The New York Times (via his latest newsletter) hears that it’s reasonable to conclude that his reserve status in the game is among the “frustration factors” that helped convince him that now is the time to push for a trade from the Pelicans.
- Stein (in the same newsletter) gets the sense that the Clippers are genuinely confident that they can land Kawhi Leonard this summer. The team isn’t allowed to publicly say anything about Leonard, per tampering regulations.
- The Jazz are looking for a third option behind Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and Brad Rock of The Deseret News examines whether they have a favorable enough situation to keep a top player should the team make a deal. Rock argues that it remains difficult to attract top talent if a franchise doesn’t have name brand, good weather, or reside in a major city.
That’s the trade right there ball to phx and Jackson to nola.pull the trigger. Win/win. Then Pope.hart.zubac and mo for ad
need kuz or BI in there
The Lakers will probably have to give up both Kuzma, Ingram, and draft picks/other players to get Davis, and even that might not get it done. Nice try though. You really think Josh Jackson could headline a deal for AD?
There is no way the Lakers trade all 3 of Ball, Kuzma and Ingram. pick 2 of 3 is the likely result
I would prefer to keep ingram or kuzma, im cool with lonzo going though.
Kuzma is staying put. I would think Hart would b last resort as well.
Kuzma can’t rebound or defend.
Idk why people like him so much.
Beasley can easily replaceable him.
Where you gonna find another point guard like Ball?
Ball carriers are super expensive at the trade deadline and Rondo/Caruso is not the answer.
Theres 100% way they do. NOLA can just trade him to someone else even if they are a contender.
Someone else might not be willing to trade so much for a soon to be free agent
They can wait and just collect 3 or 4 picks from the Celtics from this upcoming draft and Horford
Toronto did with Leonard and OKC did with Paul George. Someone will trade for Davis in the hope that he will bring them a title in the next year or two OR will find enough happiness to re-sign (a la George).
Exactly. People are blind with their hate for James.
For the Lakers, only James is untouchable. They won’t give Kuz unless they have to, they will probably get away with Ball, Ingram, Heart, and two picks they may also have to attach Zub.
Remember when previous trades were made, the media spoke with the camps of the players, not Popovich, Pritchard, Ainge, Gilbert, or Pritchard who actually make the trades. The Pelicans GM like all others won’t reveal “anything” until after the trades were made. George was going to Cleveland or Boston, didn’t happen. Kawhi was to the Lakers or Philly, didn’t happen. Phjlly originally said no to Jimmy Butler, look what happened. Only the guys “making” the trades know what will happen.
Zo to PHX, Jackson to NO, Ingram,Zubac and a unprotected 1sr rd pick also to NO with AD to the Lakers. I think that’s a trade that could work unless the Lakers would need to add one of the expiring contracts of a veteran player to even out salaries. Not sure how that works but if they needed to do that go for it.
Why not just trade overrated undersized Kuzma and keep future HOF Lonzo?
Wouldn’t that be easier?
undersized for what, he’s 6’8″ in socks…
Obviously too undersized to grab a board here or there.
He’s a solid shooter, but inconsistent.
Reminds me of when everyone was all about Clarkson for no reason.
Like what’s he good at? Being a cult favorite of Lakers fans and nothing else.
Saying not getting a starting role in an exhibition match had anything to do with AD wanting to leave NO, is absolutely ridiculous. Hack journalism.
If I’m the Pels, I’d want the Suns’ top pick this summer. Not their draft mistake from 2 summers ago who still can’t get starter minutes on an 11 win team. Things can change by the draft, but right now he’s not a top two piece in an AD trade.
Ball, has a lot more upside than Jackson, who is a bust.
I don’t understand the love for Kuzma. There’s much more upside in Ingram than Lonzo or Kyle.
While I think Zo is the guy to keep, I agree that Kuzma is by far the worst of the 3..
I guess I don’t understand the hate for Zo, if he could shoot there would be no one better at his position in the league.
As far as Ingram, his ceiling is massive and New Orleans is crazy if they think they can demand much more than him.
I’d say Ingrams floor is Tobias Harris.. his ceiling is Giannis once he bulks up.
Today’s NBA gives up on guys way too early. Harsh reality of sending them to worse and worse teams just to get PT to develop makes no sense. They need to keep flexing out the G-league and make all rookie contracts 2-way for the first 3 years.
Face it Laker fans nobody wants Ball. The most over rated player in the last 10 years has done nothing in his 2 years. He is looking more like a back up point guard on many teams. His attitude is bad so any young team doesn’t want somebody who is unhappy.
I would love to hear how Lonzo is the most overrated player when there have been huge busts taken at 1 and 2 over the last 10 years.