Lakers Rumors: Sleeper teams that could compete for Anthony Davis

1. Detroit Pistons

Would the Detroit Pistons win the NBA Championship with Anthony Davis in 2019? Probably not, however, the Pistons do have an incentive to gamble on Davis as well as free up some money for the future as well.

With or without Davis, the Detroit Pistons are definitely not doing anything with the Blake Griffin–Andre Drummond tandem and need to either clear up shop or figure out something different that could, similar to the Raptors parting ways with DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard.

That means trading Blake Griffin, who would give the New Orleans Pelicans a star in return that they could still attempt to build around to contend. NBA GM’s are stubborn and the Pelicans might prefer a piece that can contend now rather than young pieces that could potentially break out.

Griffin is under contract for three more years after the 2018-2019 season, giving the Pelicans plenty of time to put pieces around him to contend. The team would still presumably have Julius Randle and even Jrue Holiday to build around Griffin.

Draft smart or even make compelling trades and the Pelicans could add pieces alongside that core that could actually contend. Meanwhile, the Pistons get long-term financial relief from the deal that Stan Van Gundy made with a foot out the door while increasing their chances in the short term.

Throw in former lottery pick Luke Kennard and an unprotected first in 2019 and 2021 and the Pelicans can send Davis and Solomon Hill in return. It might not be as youth-heavy but Griffin is a proven all-star and the Pelicans would be getting the Pistons’ pick in 2019 and a potentially high pick in 2021 if Davis leaves Detroit.