NBA: Pelicans ‘disappointed’ by Davis trade request

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - The NBA New Orleans Pelicans said Tuesday it will “make a decision regarding Anthony Davis “on our terms and our timeline” after the superstar big man requested a trade at the weekend.

"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 and build our team for long-term success," the team said in a statement.

The team went on to say a decision will be made “that makes the most 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 requested a trade from the Pelicans and said he does not wish to sign a contract extension which would keep him with the Pelicans until 2020.

The league’s top draft pick by the then-New Orleans Hornets in 2012 has proven to be one of the league's top-five talents.

His career averages include 24.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.4 blocks per game. He is averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 blocks this season.

He is a five-time All Star, All-Star game MVP, selected to All-NBA team three times, All-Defensive team three times, and is a three-time block champ.

Yet to win an NBA title, Davis will look to pursue his title chase with another NBA franchise.

The trade rumors have already surrounded the league as there are top 6 spots he may land, including the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks.

The NBA's trade deadline is on Feb. 7.