After failed negotiations at the deadline during the 2018-19 season, the Los Angeles Lakers swung a trade for Anthony Davis in July 2019, parting with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and future draft picks.
The New Orleans Pelicans, under vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, were lauded as having fared well in the trade. Some believed the Lakers to have taken on a certain measure of risk considering Davis was entering what could be the final year of his contract.
Although he seemingly forced a trade to L.A., Davis was said to have interest in the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks as well.