Beyond the usual excitement that comes with the annual NBA Trade Deadline, Thursday had added intrigue because of the All-Star Game Draft and longtime rivals Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics meeting for the first time this season.
Hours before either team stepped on the court at the TD Garden, they were intertwined in Anthony Davis trade rumors for the better part of the past week. As the Lakers made a push to acquire Davis before the deadline, the Celtics reportedly implored the New Orleans Pelicans to stand pat.
Doing so would allow Boston — and other teams — to become involved in an potential Davis trade during the offseason.