It seems like a trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans involving Anthony Davis is dead for now. This is great news for Celtics fans, as their team now has a shot at the perennial talent. Unfortunately for the same fans, this trade would probably have to include young star Jayson Tatum.
Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, Tatum will more than likely be the centerpiece of any trade for Davis, claiming:
“A source with knowledge of the talks said the potential centerpiece in a Pelicans package, 20-year-old Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum, has been discussed extensively by the two teams and is expected to be a major part of the talks when June rolls around.”
The Lakers offered up Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Lonzo Ball. Tatum is arguably better than any of them individually.
The Duke product has proven to be an elite scorer and shooter in just one and a half seasons. He is currently averaging 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and a steal per game. This comes along with 45 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Tatum also has something that none of the Lakers youngsters do: playoff experience. He played in 19 playoff games last year, averaging 18.5 points a game and going toe-to-toe with LeBron James. He made it clear that even as a rookie, he is ready for the big stage.
Now, the Pelicans have to make a decision. Will they choose a young core of Lakers or a package centered around Tatum? Or, will another mystery team swoop in? There is plenty of drama still to come.
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