Teams Agree to Delay Anthony Davis to Lakers Trade if Kawhi Hasn't Made His Decision by Saturday
By Karl Rasmussen
The Los Angeles Lakers are anxiously awaiting the decision of Kawhi Leonard. His choice will impact the rest of free agency for the team, and it even has an impact on the Anthony Davis trade.
Well, according to reports, the Lakers have gotten the blessing of the Pelicans, Wizards and Hawks to delay the AD trade if Kawhi hasn't made his free agency decision by noon on Saturday.
The Pelicans, Hawks and Wizards all will reportedly agree to delay the Anthony Davis trade and related deals if Kawhi Leonard doesn’t make his free agency decision on Saturday. https://t.co/IXTpNUFwjf pic.twitter.com/sFaWHTaoPi
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersSBN) July 6, 2019
The reason for the delay is financial, and while the Pelicans initially declined to delay the deal, they have since had a change of heart. As a result, some players involved in the trade won't be eligible to play in the Summer League.
Essentially, the Lakers would go from having $32 million to $30 million in cap space had New Orleans failed to agree to delay the deal. That would result in the Lakers only being able to offer Leonard a max deal of four-years and $127 million.
If Kawhi remains undecided by noon EST on Sat, Lakers may need to delay July 6 AD official trade date. @bobbymarks42 details how expectation is NO, ATL, WAS will cooperate w/ Lakers if needed. If not, LA can offer a 4-yr, $127M deal compared to 4-yr, $138M https://t.co/CnTGRVwL8z
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 6, 2019
Time is ticking for Kawhi to make up his mind, and whether he chooses his new team before the noon deadline will have implications on the Lakers.
Everyone is hoping the Klaw will speed up this process, but at the end of the day, he's going to do what's best for himself.
It seems the Hawks, Wizard and Pelicans may be able to help the Lakers land their man, however.