Getty New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart
While we’re one week removed from the Los Angeles Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis, it’s taken some time for a few players to send their thoughts and final messages it seems. One of those players includes Josh Hart, who was included in the deal for Davis after impressing through the start of his young career.
On Saturday, Hart took to Twitter in order to send a farewell message to the Lakers organization, Jeanie Buss, Magic Johnson and the team’s fanbase.
…through all the ups and downs! One of the best fan bases in the league. It was a dream come true to wear the purple and gold! It’s always love on this side 💜💛 but now N.O. “Let’s dance”
It’s a strong message from Hart, who interestingly didn’t include general manager Rob Pelinka in the message. Pelinka, who was hired by the Lakers in May of 2017, just over a month before Hart landed with the team in the NBA draft, was omitted from the message. This also stands out considering the fact that the team’s ex-president in Magic Johnson was included by Hart.
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Josh Hart’s Tenure With Lakers
Hart had a strong rookie season with the Lakers in which he averaged 7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from beyond the arc. He took a bit of a step back in 2018-19, specifically when it came to his shooting marks while playing alongside LeBron James.
During his sophomore campaign, Hart averaged 7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists but shot just 40.7 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from deep. Regardless, the 24-year-old guard has flashed quite a bit of upside and is expected to make an immediate impact on a Pelicans roster loaded with young players and talent.
Lakers’ Blockbuster Anthony Davis Trade Terms & Details
When the Lakers and Pelicans finally agreed to terms on a deal for Davis, it sent the NBA into a frenzy. While many believed the Lakers gave up too large of a haul, others thought it simply had to be done. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the terms of the trade, which included Hart, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and three first-round picks heading to New Orleans.
The Pelicans have agreed to a deal to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks – including the No. 4 overall in 2019 Draft, league sources tell ESPN.
Shortly after this news came to light, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps (h/t Tania Ganguli and Andrew Lopez of the Los Angeles Times) evaluated the first-round picks a bit more. Including the fact that most of them won’t feature any type of protections.
After acquiring the Lakers’ No. 4 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Pelicans proceeded to move it again, sending it to the Atlanta Hawks. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, that deal brought New Orleans the No. 8, 17 and 35 selections, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ heavily protected 2020 first-round pick. In exchange, New Orleans sent the No. 4 and 57 picks, a future second-round selection and Solomon Hill to Atlanta.
While Hart will surely be missed by Lakers fans, the Pelicans have to be thrilled to add a young player who’s shown upside in the way he has. The team’s young core will be fun to watch in 2019-20 and beyond, but of course, seeing LeBron James, Anthony Davis and potentially another star in Los Angeles will be can’t-miss television.
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