The price the Lakers will pay for Anthony Davis became slightly higher as the Los Angeles team continued with adjustments that will give it more flexibility to attract another top-contract star to join former New Orleans Pelicans leader and LeBron. James for the next season.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday that the Lakers will send Moritz Wagner, Issac Bonga, Khmerrio Jones and a future second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal that will add Davis to Los Angeles. Angels The Wizards will give cash to New Orleans as part of the deal, added the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity, since the deal could not be finalized until July 6.
ESPN was the first outlet to report the deal, while the cash element was first mentioned by The Washington Post.
Crediting such contracts – as well as Davis’ waiving a $ 4 million bonus to be traded – will give the Lakers plenty of room to land a maximum contract player, if they are so interested.
They could also spread that salary space among several players, something that might be more prudent considering that the Lakers have practically an entire roster to fill. Once this deal is finalized, Los Angeles will only have James, Davis and Kyle Kuzma under contract for the following season, not counting a pair of restricted free agents.
Earlier this month, the Lakers agreed to acquire Davis from New Orleans in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart Brandon Ingram and three first-round draft picks – one of them being De’Andre Hunter, who was chosen by the Los Angeles team. Angels in the draft and who will then be traded to the Pelicans and from there to the Atlanta Hawks.
Monday’s deal means six players and four picks were the price the Lakers paid for Davis. It’s not technically a 10-for-one transaction, since the new cap space will give Los Angeles at least one other player.
Wagner, Jones and Bonga were rookies last season. Wagner averaged 4.8 points in 43 games, Jones scored a total of 27 points in six games and Bonga had 19 points in 22 appearances for the Lakers. AP