Report: Pelicans won't play Davis before deadline despite clearance

Anthony Davis has been medically cleared following a fractured left index finger, but the New Orleans Pelicans don't intend to play him ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The team will reportedly re-evaluate its stance on playing Davis if he's still on the Pelicans' roster following the deadline.

New Orleans is off Tuesday before facing the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Wednesday.

Davis reportedly wanted to return on Monday against the Indiana Pacers after a seven-game absence, but the Pelicans' front office intervened. New Orleans has gone 2-6 without the 25-year-old.

The six-time All-Star is locked into his current deal through the end of next season. Davis has reportedly informed New Orleans that he wants to be traded, and the Los Angeles Lakers are one of his preferred landing spots.

Davis ranks second in the Association in scoring (29.3 points per game), fourth in rebounding (13.3), and second in blocks (2.56) for the 23-31 Pelicans.