New Orleans Pelicans' All Star center Anthony Davis has reportedly informed the team that he will not be signing a contract extension and has requested a trade.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Davis' agent Rich Paul explained, "Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship."
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Davis, 25, is eligible to sign a five-year, $240 million supermax extension this summer, and he can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020.
On the timing of telling Pelicans now, Rich Paul tells ESPN: "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 organization's future."
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Of course, there are no shortage of teams interested in adding AD to their roster, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. However, Wojnarowski notes that the Celtics cannot make a deal for Davis until July due to the "Rose Rule."
Per ESPN:
"Davis' declaration on wanting out now gives teams other than the Boston Celtics a head start in pursuing trades for him. Restricted by the Rose Rule, Boston cannot trade for Davis until July 1 because league rules wouldn't allow Kyrie Irving's and Davis' contracts under the provision on the roster together. The designated rookie exception allows players coming off their rookie-scale contracts to earn 30 percent of the salary cap rather than 25 percent if they meet certain criteria."
Davis is averaging 29.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game this season, but he's currently sidelined with a volar plate avulsion fracture of his left index finger. The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching on February 7.
