The Los Angeles Lakers struck out on their first serious attempt to land Anthony Davis in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. So after failing to entice general manager Dell Demps, Magic Johnson has reportedly redoubled his efforts.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports Johnson and Demps have had “multiple conversations” about an Anthony Davis trade on Monday, and that the Lakers have “absolutely gotten more serious in the discussions.”
The Lakers have offered a new package to New Orleans that includes multiple young players, multiple draft picks and Pelicans salary cap relief for Anthony Davis, league sources tell ESPN. The offer appears to move closer to the objectives that the Pelicans are pursuing in a deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2019
Johnson has reason to get a deal done soon. The Pelicans will certainly have other suitors for Davis’ services. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, four teams have been notified by Davis’ representation that he’d sign a long-term deal if traded to them.
Anthony Davis’ representatives have informed the Pelicans that he would sign long-term with the Lakers, Knicks, Bucks and Clippers if he is traded, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2019
Things are certainly heating up on this front, and it’s likely we’re not close to seeing some big-time movement before Thursday’s trade deadline.