UPDATE: Anthony Davis Fined $50K USD For Requesting Trade from New Orleans Pelicans

UPDATE January 29, 2019: According to reports, Anthony Davis and his agent Rich Paul have been fined $50,000 USD by NBA for requesting a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans. The NBA issued the fine because the highly publicized request violates “a collectively-bargained rule prohibiting players or their representatives from making public trade demands.”

Sources: The NBA has fined Anthony Davis $50,000.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2019

Original Story: Rich Paul–agent and longtime friend of LeBron James–informed the New Orleans Pelicans that his client Anthony Davis will not sign an extension and is seeking a trade “to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. On the timing of the news, Paul told ESPN that ”Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decisions now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”

The 5x-All-Star can sign an extension with the Pelicans next summer worth $240 million USD over five years, however if he’s traded, the new team can offer him up to five years and $205 million USD. If he waits to exercise his player option and enter free agency in 2020, he can earn even less.

With the trade deadline of February 7 quickly approaching, the Pelicans reportedly feel no pressure in rushing AD’s departure. Nevertheless, league sources have shared that the Los Angeles Lakers have wanted to acquire Davis for quite some time, but that transaction may cost them a package involving the team’s young talent, including Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma.

The Boston Celtics are also potential candidates for “The Brow” but the organization faces some restrictions: the Designated Rookie Extension will not allow both Kyrie Irving and Davis to be on the same roster until July 1 when Kyrie is a free agent. ESPN states the Celtics and Pelicans could agree to a Davis trade prior to July 1 and then finalize a trade after that date. Whatever the outcome, this news will surely be a major headline until it’s resolved.

Let us know where you think Anthony Davis will land in the comments below. In other NBA news, take a look at the starters for this year’s NBA All-Star game in Charlotte.

Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019