NBA trade news: Anthony Davis to Celtics revelation, Lakers sent Kawhi Leonard hint
NBA trade news - The offseason is in full swing with teams aiming to build their roster for the upcoming season and here is the latest from around the league.
Kawhi Leonard won't like Toronto's weather says Dennis Scott
Davis to Celtics talk
The Boston Celtics should be focussing on trying to build a team with Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum from next season.
That’s according to HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, who still believes Boston are good enough to get to the NBA Finals despite the Toronto Raptors adding Kawhi Leonard for DeMar DeRozan this summer.
The Celtics have often been linked with a move for Davis and still hold enough assets to be at the front of the queue to offer the New Orleans Pelicans the best deal.
Davis can become a free agent in 2020 but the Pelicans may be likely to to start a re-build while Boston will be aiming to build on their title chances.
And Simmons wants to see Boston make a move for him next summer, even if it means they lose the likes of Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown.
“I’m very focussed on Anthony Davis,” Simmons said on The Ringer.
“I want to get to a world where the Celtics have Tatum and Anthony Davis.
“Just figure out the guys on the rest of the team.
“I want those two guys on the same team. I still think they can make the Finals with this team.”
Kawhi Leonard isn't likely to re-sign for Toronto says pundit
Kawhi Leonard free agency rumours
Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 free agency decision could depend on how he adapts to the cold weather in Toronto and whether the Raptors can keep him happy.
That’s the opinion of former NBA star Dennis Scott, who points to the fact Leonard is used to the warm weather of Los Angeles.
It has been no secret that Leonard’s desire is to return to his hometown, with a preference to join the Lakers, but the Raptors have given themselves a chance of changing his mind after trading from him last week.
They have one year to convince Leonard and Scott believes it could come down to how the Raptors meet the 27-year-old’s needs.
“When you go on road trips, how do you make them a little longer, so that you’re not in Toronto during those cold months of the year,” Scott said on NBA TV
“Kawhi Leonard is an LA/ California kid so being in Toronto, as much as we love it… that’s the only part you have to fix to get Kawhi comfortable.
“Basketball-wise, Kyle Lowry coming to camp in shape; they get on the same page and Kyle Lowry getting back to being the All-Star we know he can be then I think they have a good chance of being one of those teams in the East.”