New Orleans Pelicans officials have privately expressed that the organization doesn't feel pressure to move Anthony Davis before the Feb. 7 NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
"Relative to specific talks of a trade, we will do this on our timeline," the Pelicans stated on Monday. "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' agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that the superstar has requested a trade and will not sign a contract extension with the Pelicans when he's eligible to do so this summer.
"That one you'd have to take up with (general manager) Dell (Demps) and (vice president) Mickey (Loomis)," Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry told reporters Monday when asked if Davis could be dealt before the deadline. "I have enough problems locking in and concentrating on trying to get our team ready to play."
Gentry added: "It's not hanging over our head, it's in the open and everyone knows."
The timing of Monday's announcement means the Boston Celtics, who have been linked to the big man, will likely have to sit back and watch as other teams pursue Davis over the next 10 days. The Celtics are limited in their options until July 1, as both Davis and Kyrie Irving are signed under the same "Rose Rule" extension and a team can roster only one such player at a time.
New Orleans doesn't have to trade Davis until next season's deadline, as he can't leave the club via free agency until the summer of 2020.
The Pelicans reportedly would want any trade conversation with the Los Angeles Lakers to begin with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac, and a first-round draft pick.
