The Lakers’ ability to make a move this season may be limited by a quirk in the Anthony Davis trade.
When they made the Anthony Davis trade that brought them title No. 17, the Lakers sent what was available at that time described by ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski as “one of the greatest comebacks by a star player in modern league history.” Aside from three promising young players, the Lakers sent the rights to three first round draft picks, the last of which has yet to be awarded.
But a unique quirk of the deal gives the Pelicans a little more say in when one such pick declares than most teams have in their own trade haul; although the Pelicans can choose to pick the Lakers in 2024 NBA draft, they could also choose to defer that pick to next year, leaving the Lakers with their own pick this season, and snapping their 2025 pick. LA also owes its 2027 first-rounder to in Utah because of Russell Westbrook’s salary dump. Otherwise, the Lakers own all of their future first round picks.
But while the mechanics of this year’s optional deferral are not that difficult, its possible impact on the Lakers’ ability to trade their future picks complicates this situation. Let’s discuss the biggest questions.
When should the Pelicans decide which Lakers draft pick they will take?
The exact terms of the Davis trade are not public, but a league source familiar with the salary cap, it’s safe to assume the Pelicans have until June 1, 2024, at the latest, to make the their decision that the Lakers chose what they wanted, based on the first precedent in the league. This will give the Lakers a few weeks before the Draft to finalize their plans leading up to it.
The surprise swoop and take the player the Lakers are expected to keep, or giving a pick the Lakers didn’t expect to use could be a great drama. However, doing so at the last minute before the selection is almost prohibited by a clear term in the collective bargaining agreement of the NBA, or one defined by the general principles of contract law. Generally, any contractual option without a clear deadline usually requires the party with the option to give any affected party “reasonable notice” of their decision, a standard that constitutes contract law and is determined based on on a case by case basis. Here, it’s reasonable to assume that reasonable notice would require the Pelicans to give the Lakers at least a heads-up a few weeks early, if not something like 30 days.
But regardless of when the exact deadline is, from a big-picture perspective the Pelicans’ option greatly limits the Lakers’ ability to use their future assets right now. Especially when accompanied by the so-called “Directed by Ted Stepien.†The Stepien Rule, unofficially named after the The bad owner of the Cleveland Cavaliersrequires NBA teams to retain the rights to a first round draft pick at least annually.
So, when the Pelicans officially decide whether they want to exercise their deferred pick in 2024, the Lakers will end up in one of two places. If the Pelicans pick up the Lakers’ 2024 pick, the team can move the 2025 pick once the 2024 draft rolls around. On the other hand, if the Pelicans defer and take the 2025 pick from the Lakers, the Lakers cannot trade their 2024 pick until draft night.
Also, because the team traded its 2027 first-rounder to Utah during the final year of the trade deadline, the Stepien Rule prevents them from moving their 2026 or 2028 first-rounders in either scenario. If the 2027 pick falls in the top four, it will become a 2027 second-rounder, which will enable the Lakers to trade their 2028 pick after the conclusion of the 2027 NBA Draft Lottery.
So what draft pick could the Lakers trade this season?
In general, the Lakers are currently unable to trade a first round pick in any draft earlier than 2029, despite owning all but two (2024 or 2025, and 2027, except if their choice ends up in the top-four) of their future first round picks. Currently, limited by the “Seven Year Rule,” which prevents teams from trading future first-rounders more than seven years into the future, the Lakers can only trade their 2029 or 2030 first-rounders, but not the two (Stepien).
Of course, a trade that brings an additional first-rounder to the Lakers could change that equation, but a draft asset-positive move seems unlikely for a LeBron-led team that is undoubtedly in win-now mode.
What pick will the Pelicans pick?
Although unspecified circumstances may dictate the Pelicans’ choice between the Lakers’ next two picks, it is worth knowing the factors that will influence their decision. Of course, the Pelicans will consider the Lakers’ spot in the 2024 draft order and where they hope LA will land in 2025, but this is not their consideration. Additional factors could include the flexibility and cost of the Pelicans’ roster, the depth of the draft range the Lakers are expected to pick from, and New Orleans’ urgency for trade assets if they want to make a move. draft agreement day. 2024.
For example, if the Pelicans lack interest in any 2024 prospects projected to go after the lottery, it might make sense for them to delay their pick to 2025. On the other hand, if the Pelicans are eager to fill the end of them it’s already hard-capped roster for the next few years with a relatively short player they can start fixing now instead of later, maybe the 2024 pick makes more sense.
It’s also possible that another team will make the call in anticipation of the 2024 draft if the Pelicans decide to go into the trade deadline with the feeling that their championship window is now and decide to include the Lakers’ pick in a win. . -now trade.
Now that you know how New Orleans’ right to trade affects LA’s future, as a Laker fan, do you want the Pelicans to pick up the team’s 2024 pick or move their pick to 2025? Answer the poll below, and let us know why in the comments.
Cooper is a lifelong Laker fan who also covers the Yankees on SB Nation’s Pinstripe Alley — no, he’s not a Cowboys fan either. You can find him on Twitter at @cooperhalpern.
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