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The saga Anthony Davis is finally over. After asking for an exchange, The Brow realized his wish to land with the Lakers, who traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, three first-round picks and two-way swap rights to get the man from big size.
It's an agreement that could transform the league. This will certainly have a significant impact on the Western Conference. The Pelicans clearly embrace the tank while the Lakers now have two of the 10 best players in the league and they are allowed to add a third. A new superteam is about to be born.
This shift in the balance of power should also indicate how the Spurs continue to strengthen. Let's see what Davis means to the Lakers for the Silver and the Black.
There is no reason to make win-win gains
While the Warriors suddenly seemed very vulnerable, it was necessary to induce the Spurs to make a winning move-now, as far as possible, in the hope of succeeding in an intense post-season. Even with some marginal improvements, San Antonio could have been within reach of the highest ranking in the West, which would have been a group of talented but imperfect teams like Golden State, Houston, the Clippers – if they drop a big free agent – Portland, Utah and Denver. The Spurs are not supposed to be major players in the free agency because they have no cap limit, but they have some strong players on expired contracts, inexpensive and young prospects, and two top players in the next project to come. package in a trade for a dear veteran or two. It does not seem wise to do it now.
The Lakers have a decisive blow and room to add either another star or some strong players. If they land among Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard or Jimmy Butler, they should be considered favorites to get out of the West. Even if they have to settle for role players, they have the power of star to make it work. The trade could also start an arms race with teams of this second level who seek to improve their independence to separate from the pack. Even if the Warriors weaken and the Rockets lose their talent to try to lose their salary, the summit of the conference should be stacked. For example, Spurs obtaining Evan Fournier or TJ Warren would simply not be enough to catapult them beyond the second level, let alone the first. Even someone like Kevin Love would not guarantee them a place in the second round.
San Antonio should always seek to improve his list, of course, but with caution and patience. Given the circumstances, it would not be wise to get a minor upgrade at the expense of their youthful movement or the flexibility of their cap. Talking about that …
Many free agency moves are likely to come, which should benefit the Spurs.
The Lakers have no choice but to try to build a good team next to their two stars. Whether they have another elite player or a couple of good players, they will have to hire instead of signing one year contracts for men who want to have them. a semblance of stability and chemistry. Other teams with limited spots like the Mavericks, Jazz and Clippers will feel the urgency of recruiting quality players available on the market to keep pace. Even if they do not reach one of the best free agents, they will have to use their heading space now to try to face the Lakers this coming season, while their depth will be debatable. All potential candidates in the West and perhaps in the league as a whole will spend money this season.
The Spurs, on the other hand, have little pressure to do so. They can basically bring back the same team and hope for an internal development powered by the improvement of young players and the return of Dejounte Murray. Without big moves, they should still be able to play a playoff spot in the next season. If they decide to follow this path, they could enter the trading deadline with many assets, which would put them in a position to become either a buyer if a star becomes available, or a salesman. did not make a good start. In the worst case, they should enter the next season with limited space, while most of the teams located above them in the hierarchy to their maximum. The category of free agencies 2020 is not as strong as this year, but interesting players will be available and having enough room for maneuver could help them make transactions.
If the rest of the West reacts excessively to the movement, the one that will not have an advantage over the future in terms of free will and the commercial market. The Spurs are in an ideal position to show restraint, as they are kind enough to stay in the playoff race without making big additions.
The Davis trade will keep the Spurs from coming back to the fight in the short term as this will probably help to create another super team. As long as Rob Pelinka does not act completely freely, the Lakers will become contenders. It is also likely that other teams will aggressively seek to improve in the hope of getting out of the West in a season where there will be no prohibitive favorite.
It's never good for the Spurs when another Western team gets a superstar, but as they are not yet competitive, they will not have the pressure to follow. If the front office is patient, they could actually benefit from the hustle and bustle that the Davis trade will cause. San Antonio was always going to have to play slow game to get back to the elite. Little has changed in this regard.
Let the rest of the West trade haymakers in 2019. If they come out, the Spurs will be ready to enjoy them in the future.
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