The New Orleans Pelicans are looking for a player who can make a significant impact as part of any trade package for Anthony Davis, and it seems the team already has a specific player in mind.
Earlier in the week, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin is exploring multi-team trade scenarios aimed at landing New Orleans a combination of high draft picks and at least one All-Star-caliber player.
The Pelicans are hoping to get an All-Star-caliber in return in a Davis trade, and according to Fletcher Mackel of WDSU, the Pelicans are interested in bringing Bradley Beal into the equation as part of a three-team transaction with the Lakers and Wizards.
Beal, now 25 years of age, signed a five-year, $127 million contract with the Wizards in 2016. He's not up for unrestricted free agency until 2021 and is slated to earn just over $27 million for the 2019-20 season.
Beal has made it clear he wants to finish his career in Washington, but a report early last season indicated the Wizards were willing to part ways with him. The 25-year-old shooting guard averaged career highs across the board this season with 25.6 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, so you can understand why the Pelicans would have interest in pairing him with Zion Williamson.
The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers want to trade for Davis, and they have the No. 3 and No. 4 picks, respectively, in the upcoming draft. New Orleans is reportedly not that interested in the Knicks' young players, and may view the Lakers the same way.
That is where a third team would come in, but landing a top-four pick and a player like Beal would obviously be a dream scenario for New Orleans.
As the Pelicans are seeking an established All-Star player, young player with All-Star potential, and draft picks for Davis, the Lakers reportedly have made Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and the No. 4 pick available in trade discussions.
With the Pelicans interested in Beal, the Wizards reportedly would want Lonzo Ball involved in a potential trade. While there are a lot of questions about the current state of the Wizards, they could ultimately be the third team that helps the Lakers finally land Davis after nearly five months.
