As the Los Angeles Lakers’ desperate trade hunt drags on, more and more outlandish scenarios have been floated.
With LeBron James 37 years old, the Lakers are desperate to capitalise on their superstar by giving him a supporting cast capable of guiding them to a first title since the 2020 campaign.
Sadly, Russell Westbrook’s move to Los Angeles hasn’t paid dividends, while Anthony Davis has struggled with injuries in the last two seasons.
Now, a wild trade prospect has been floated – and it would shake up the league in a big way.
An anonymous Western Conference executive has mooted a possible swap deal that would see Davis shipped to the Phoenix Suns in return for a package including Deandre Ayton and Cameron Johnson.
Watch Live & Free Coverage of The 2022 NBL1 Championship Season on Kayo Freebies. Join now, no credit card required >
MORE COVERAGE
Knicks gun signs $174m deal in twist to superstar trade talks
The Westbrook twist to looking NBA superstar swap with Lakers shaping as Knicks’ saviour
The Lakers have made their ‘priority’ clear. But LeBron doesn’t sound like he’s on the same page
The anonymous executive told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney: “Phoenix would be an interesting fit too, once Ayton can be traded.
“They could do Cam Johnson and Ayton, something like that. I am sure some in L.A. would expect a big return for Davis but with the injuries the last few years, it would be tough to trade him. There’s a lot of reasons why they’d keep him but that is one – you’re not going to get fair value because of the injuries.”
Ayton can’t be traded until January 15, under the terms of an offer sheet the Suns immediately matched to keep their former No. 1 Draft pick, and he has veto power over any trade for a full season.
The centre is undoubtedly a rising star, but even with Johnson attached it doesn’t seem to come close to matching Davis’ value. The Suns would also appear unlikely to throw away their years of patient development – and two young talents – in return for an injury-prone individual on a hefty price tag.
For the Lakers, keeping Davis for at least another season in the hopes that he remains fit and his value rebounds appears the obvious decision.
However, the Lakers’ desperation to win now – and with trade options rapidly running out – could see a shock move completed.
Stranger things have happened – even between two teams that haven’t done a trade in a decade.
Aussie basketball has ‘exploded’ and a ‘new wave’ of talent has the world taking notice
