New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis officially wants out of town.
Midway through his seventh season in the NBA and with only two brief playoff appearances to show for it, the former No. 1 overall pick has requested the Pelicans trade him away.
Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, told the team his client won’t sign a contract extension if he is presented one, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” Paul reportedly told the Pelicans.
Davis, 25, is considered an MVP-level talent in the league with the ability to push a good team over the hump to greatness, even though he has not been able to take the lesser talent around him in New Orleans on a deep playoff run. Last year was the first time Davis won a playoff series.
Through Sunday, Davis has career averages of 24 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He is averaging career highs this season with 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 7, and to this point, the Pelicans have not been interested in dealing Davis. The big man can become a free agent in the 2019-2020 season, and New Orleans likely could make a killing by trading him before then.
In December, LeBron James said it would be “amazing” to play with Anthony Davis. Paul also represents James, and his Los Angeles Lakers “have been determined to acquire Davis in a deal,” Wojnarowski reported.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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