Anthony Davis transfer rumors: Pelicans make counter-offer to Magic Johnson

Anthony Davis transfer rumors: The speculations surrounding the Pelicans star’s trade move have grown stronger.

Anthony Davis announced that he won’t be staying at the New Orleans Pelicans, putting on the trade request last month.

Ever since the announcement, the speculations over his move have been increasingly dominating the NBA headlines.

As the deadline comes closer, LA Lakers are speculated to be the favourites to close the deal for Pelicans’ star.

It was earlier claimed that Pelicans have made a counter-offer to Lakers‘ ‘lowball’ offer for the player. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski then reported that Magic Johnson held talks with Dell Damps and a new package was offered for Davis’ signature.

Wojnarowski now reports on the latest developments over the move, which suggest that the Pelicans have made another demand to the Lakers.

Anthony Davis transfer rumors:

The ESPN journalist has stated that the New Orleans Pelicans have made a demand to LA Lakers over the trade move for Anthony Davis.

Quoting the league sources, Wojnarowski revealed that Pelicans want four first-round and second-round picks as a part of the trade package.

Lakers president Magic Johnson has New Orleans engaged in talks on Anthony Davis, but must still overcome significant support within the Pelicans organization to let Thursday’s trade deadline expire with the All-Star remaining on the roster. Story on ESPN: https://t.co/Vts93I6des

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2019

Among New Orleans’ priorities in an Anthony Davis deal – young players/picks/cap relief – Pels are determined to get back one player w/ All-NBA potential. Do Pels see that in Ingram, Kuzma or Ball? Boston’s Jayson Tatum fits mold. Can Pels pry Tatum? All internal Pels questions.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2019

In the new package, Lakers included multiple draft-picks and offered relief in the salary cap for Anthony Davis.

The new offer also included multiple young players and according to Brad Turner, the list includes Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams on the new extended Davis list, league sources said. Still, Clippers are another team holding onto cap space and assets for summer free agency. So far, Clippers haven’t made an offer on Davis, sources said.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2019

Lakers president Magic Johnson and Pelicans GM Dell Demps have had multiple conversations today, league sources tell ESPN. There’s no sense how much progress sides have made progress toward a possible trade, but the Lakers have absolutely gotten more serious in the discussions. https://t.co/R84Aetv9n3

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2019

 

The offer also included the absorption of $12.7 million on Solomon Hill’s contract in the 2019/20 season.

It has also been reported that Pelicans were handed over an extended four-team list where Anthony Davis would prefer to re-sign.

This list included Lakers, Knicks, Clippers and Bucks. Boston Celtics were excluded from the list after being one of the frontrunners over his signature alongside LA Lakers.

Earlier, Anthony Davis Sr. criticized Celtics for the treatment of their players as a reason why his son shouldn’t be signing for the team.