Pelicans´ Davis wants to be traded, says agent
Five-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a new contract with the New Orleans Pelicans and has requested a trade, his agent has said.
Davis is eligible to sign a five-year, $240million super-max extension this year and can become a free agent in 2020.
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN on Monday.
“Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions, and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organisation’s future.”
The Pelicans have expressed no desire to trade him before the February 7 deadline.
Most teams would likely be interested in Davis but the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics – who would have to wait until July 1 to acquire the 25-year-old due to the NBA’s Rose Rule as it relates to Kyrie Irving’s contract – are expected to be the most aggressive in pursuing him.
The Celtics could agree to a Davis trade but it could become official only after Irving becomes a free agent on July 1.
Davis has been sidelined with an injured left index finger. He is averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks this season.
