The Anthony Davis trade saga has taken a new turn this morning, as Woj has reported that Davis has requested a trade and will be on the move.
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Anthony Davis has been one of the hottest properties in the NBA trade market this season, with multiple franchises hoping to secure his signature.
Davis’ credentials in the last few seasons have helped him earn the right to demand how his future would look like and hence the Pelicans have been on their toes all season.
While the Pelicans did qualify for the playoffs last time round, this season injuries have marred their ‘playoff challenge’ and they sit in 13th place in the Western conference, with a 22-28 record.
All through the season it had been reported that Davis would assess how the Pelicans play and where they find themselves in the table before the business end of the season kicks in.
And from the looks of it, things don’t seem to look very bright for the New Orleans franchise.
Now, according to a conversation between Woj and Rich Paul(Anthony Davis’ agent), the Davis camp have requested a trade and have let the Pelicans know that AD won’t be signing a new contract with the team, no matter what they put on the table.
“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.” Woj tweeted.
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
Davis could sign a 5-year, $240M contract extension this summer, and can become a free agent in the summer of 2020. https://t.co/Tl7zy7e9UE
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019
When quizzed as to why Davis wanted a move, Rich Paul confirmed that Davis wanted to move to a team that had a realistic chance of winning the NBA title.
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.” Rich Paul confirmed.
Rich Paul to ESPN on a preferred destination for Anthony Davis: “Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019
With the trade deadline just round the corner, Rich Paul was obviously quizzed about the timing of the announcement.
Paul admitted that Davis wanted to make sure that the Pelicans were not kept in the dark with respect to what his decision was. He wanted the Pelicans to plan their trade activity accordingly.
“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.” Rich Paul confirmed.
On 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."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019
New Orleans have no intention of trading Davis, but the Pelicans could be risking him leaving for free in the summer of 2020.
