Pelicans rumors: David Griffin didn't take call from Lakers GM Rob Pelinka until 4th call Saturday due to trade talks getting contentious

After months of trying to get their hands on Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers finally got him. On Saturday night, the New Orleans Pelicans...

After months of trying to get their hands on Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers finally got him. On Saturday night, the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to send Davis to Los Angeles in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three future first round picks, including this year's no. 4 overall pick.

According to Brad Turner of The L.A. Times, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka needed to make four calls to Pelicans president David Griffin before the latter eventually answered.

With trade talks getting contentious, Pelicans president David Griffin didn’t take call from Lakers GM Rob Pelinka until fourth call today, per source. Pelicans changed mind on wanting Pelinka after getting 3 first round picks.

— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 15, 2019

The Pelicans reportedly wanted to include Kyle Kuzma in the deal and looked firm in rejecting any offer without the 22-year old stretch-four. The Lakers, on the other hand, also stood firm in keeping Kuzma out of any trade package.

However, it seems like the three first round picks that Pelinka countered with ultimately convinced Griffin to pull the trigger.

In addition to their own first overall pick, the Pelicans will also have the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, though there are rumors that they will eventually move the pick.

They also get a top-8 protected pick in 2021, which will become unprotected in 2022. New Orleans also has the option to swap picks with the Lakers in 2023. Likewise, they also get an unprotected 2024 pick, which can defer to 2025 should the Pelicans choose to.

That's a major haul that the Pelicans got for someone they have considered a lost cause ever since February. This gives them plenty of assets moving forward that they can use to build around projected first overall selection, Zion Williamson.

The Lakers, on the other hand, basically mortgaged their entire future for the chance to win now with Davis and LeBron James in town. The deal also subsequently gives them a potential max salary slot that they can use for a third star to add to their LeBron-AD tandem.