The New Orleans Pelicans have released a statement regarding Anthony Davis' trade request, which includes the team's plans for the future as well as a request that the NBA "strictly enforce the tampering rules associated with this transaction."
Davis' representatives reportedly met with the team this past weekend and informed them that the 25-year old All Star has no intentions of signing the five-year, $240 million supermax extension this summer.
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According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans' statement reads:
"This past weekend, Anthony Davis' representatives informed us that Anthony does not wish to sign a contract extension with our team and subsequently has requested a trade. Although we are disappointed in this decision our organization's top priority is to bring an NBA championship to our city and fans build our team for long-term success.
Relative to specific talks of a trade, we will do this on our timeline. One that make sense for our team and it will not be dictated by those outside of our organization. We have also requested the League to strictly enforce the tampering rules associated with this transaction."
Davis, averaging 29.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, is currently sidelined with a "volar plate avulsion fracture" of his left index finger, but he could return to the lineup as early as Saturday.
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Among the teams in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes are the New York Knicks, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who "will be aggressive" in trade talks with the Pels.
The Los Angeles Lakers are obviously another team that will put together a package for AD as will the Boston Celtics, although the Pelicans will have to wait until July to make any trade with Boston as a result of the "Rose Rule."
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