NBA Trades: AD and Conley Not if but to Who

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans is the most sought out name on the trade block. In his career AD has averaged 23.7 points per game along with 10.5 rebounds. This past season Davis was rumored to be traded at the deadline, but the Pelicans decided to hold on to him. After meeting with Davis earlier this month, Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, David Griffin, has started to listen and give framework for a potential deal (Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN). 

Via Shams Charania with the Athletic, AD is focused on two teams as long term options, the LA Lakes, and New York Knicks. However, for what Griffin wants in return, their will potentially need to be a third team to help facilitate any possible deal. 

Option 1:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Anthony Davis

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Isaac Bonga, Lakers #4 pick.

Washington Wizards Receive: Lonzo Ball, Solomon Hill, Kyle Kuzma, Pelicans #57 pick

Why Lakers do this trade:

The Lakers are looking to win now and look to pair another star with Lebron James. Anthony Davis is a great fit next to James as he gives the Lakers defense, a post presence and experience. The Lakers also clear some of the youth on the team that did not pair well with James such as Ingram and Kuzma. 

Why Pelicans do this trade:

The Pelicans rapidly rebuild their team with the additions in the trade. Grabbing Zion Williamson with the number one overall pick in the draft, the Pelicans can pair him with the likings of Bradley Beal, who is a prolific scorer, Brandon Ingram and the number four pick. With the pick, the Pelicans can target Jarrett Culver or De’Andre Hunter. With a lineup of Jrue Holiday, Bradley Beal, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Julius Randle the Pelicans could immediately compete for a playoff spot. 

Why Wizards do this trade:

John Wall is out for most of the season with an injury so the Wizards will not be a very competitive team this season. Acquiring Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma allows them to have young guys to build around moving forward. Ball and Kuzma join the young core of Bobby Portis, Jabari Parker, and Tomas Satoransky. 

Option #2:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Anthony Davis

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Josh Jackson, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lakers #4 pick, Suns #6 pick

Phoenix Suns Receive: Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Pelicans #57 pick, Lakers future 2020 2nd round pick

Why New Orleans does this trade:

This trade allows New Orleans to rebuild naturally through the draft. Jackson, Ingram, and Kuzma give the Pelicans young wing players while the 4^thand 6^thpicks allow for the Pelicans to take a two of either Darius Garland, Jarret Culver, and De’Andre Hunter. 

Why Phoenix does this trade:

Phoenix is in search for their point guard of the future to pair with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. Lonzo Ball gives them a high IQ, pass-first point guard. Parting with Jackson is easy because of the log jam that they have at the position with T.J. Warren, Mikal Bridges, and Kelly Oubre Jr. all sharing minutes with Jackson. Hart gives them a quality scorer to work with the Suns’ bench. 

Mike Conley 

Mike Conley has been with the Memphis Grizzlies since 2007 when he was drafted 4^thoverall. In his career, he has averaged 14.9 points per game and 5.7 assists. This past season with the Grizzlies he averaged 21.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. Rumors of the Grizzlies trading Conley have been circling since early in the 2018 season. Memphis, however, did not pull the trigger at the trade deadline as they looked to wait for more teams to open up space for Conley. 

Option 1:

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Tyler Johnson, T.J. Warren and Suns #6 pick.

Phoenix Suns Receive: Mike Conley and Ivan Rabb.

Why Memphis does this trade:

Memphis is looking to build around a young core of Jaren Jackson Jr. and presumably Ja Morant (second pick in the draft). Acquiring the sixth pick allows them to bring in another young talent of either Jarrett Culver or De’Andre Hunter to help. T.J. Warren and Tyler Johnson are still in their mid-20s and bring experience and scoring to the Memphis squad. 

Why Phoenix does this trade:

As stated with the earlier trade the Suns are in need of a franchise point guard. Conley being a top 10 point guard in the league helps them immediately. Conley has experience and has led the Grizzlies to multiple playoff appearances. He would help Booker continue to grow as a player along with bringing defensive toughness to the Suns. Ivan Radd gives the Suns a young big who could never find his footing in Memphis. 

Option 2:

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Gordon Hayward, 2020 first round pick

Boston Celtics Receive: Mike Conley

Why Memphis does this trade: 

The Grizzlies are looking to get back good return for their veteran point guard and this trade would suffice. Gordon Hayward before his injury was a top 20 player in the league. He still is a great player in his own right today and would give the Grizzlies offense and leadership. Memphis would also receive their 2020 first round pick back from Boston which should be in the lottery next season. 

Why Boston does this trade:

This trade is only done if Kyrie Irving decides to depart from Boston. If Kyrie does Conley would be able to fill in the point guard role alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The trade allows for Boston to still be extremely competitive in the East and make another deep playoff run.