NBA trade news: Anthony Davis surprise Lakers battle, Boston Celtics suffer major blow

The Los Angeles Lakers tried and failed to tempt the New Orleans Pelicans into trading Davis before the deadline, meaning a deal will likely be struck this summer.

However, the Lakers will not be the only team able to put together an attractive offer for the Pelicans to listen to.

According to Zack Buckley of Bleacher Report, the San Antonio Spurs could enter the mix.

He reports a deal could be centred around DeMar DeRozan with Lonnie Walker IV also included.

“DeRozan is both a notable name and a star-level producer,” he wrote.

“He’s one of only eight players to score at least 10,000 points since the start of 2013-14, and he’s become a prolific passer the past two seasons (5.6 assists).

“He could give the Pelicans their post-Davis focal point on offense and at the front gate.

“Walker is a mystery, and the pick will probably be a dart throw in the 20s, but New Orleans needs future assets, and those meet that threshold.”

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics will also be able to enter the mix having been prevented from doing so due to the ‘Rose Rule’.

They have an abundance of draft picks in this year’s draft, although they will unlikely fall at the top end of the draft.

And ESPN’s Brian Windhorst predicts that could prove troublesome for the Celtics when included them in a trade package for Davis.

“Most scouts believe that this is a top heavy draft,” Windhorst said.

“For that reason, extra picks in this draft aren’t that valuable.

“In any trade proposal, they’ll want to get at least two of those picks this year.

“But three picks outside of the lottery, they’re not that exciting.”