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Report: Pelicans want four 1st-round picks from Lakers for Davis

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New Orleans Pelicans aren't willing to part with Anthony Davis ahead of Thursday's trade deadline without landing a massive return.

To even consider dealing the six-time All-Star before the deadline, the Pelicans are waiting on the Los Angeles Lakers to "overwhelm them" with an offer that includes four first-round draft picks in addition to second-round picks, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

There's some urgency for the Lakers to try and get a deal done by Thursday. Not only would they secure Davis for the rest of this season and next, but they'd also prevent the Boston Celtics from having a shot at trading for the star big man. Los Angeles is one of Davis' preferred destinations, and the club already reportedly offered a package of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, and Michael Beasley in hopes of landing him.

It was also reported Monday that some within the Pelicans' front office remain opposed to trading Davis before Thursday's deadline, leading Lakers president Magic Johnson to grow increasingly pessimistic about getting a deal done.

Davis hasn't played since Jan. 19 due to a hand injury, but was cleared for practice Monday. However, there's no guarantee the Pelicans will play him again this season, even if he isn't traded.

The 25-year-old Davis is averaging a career-high 29.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 41 games this season while earning $25.4 million. He's told the Pelicans that he has no intention of signing an extension in the offseason, and can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2019-2020 campaign.

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