The NBA fined the New Orleans Pelicans in front of Anthony Davis for $ 50,000 on Tuesday for violating a rule that prohibits players or their representatives from making commercial demands.
Davis' agent Rich Paul told ESPN on Monday that his client "wants to be traded with a team that allows him to consistently win and compete for a championship," adding that Davis "wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions" . "Allow time for the team to plan their departure. The team later acknowledged that Davis had requested a deal over the weekend.
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In a statement announcing Tuesday's fine, the NBA called Paul's comments to ESPN "an intentional effort to undermine the contractual relationship between Davis and the pelicans."
The team statement on Monday included a request to the league "to strictly enforce the tampering rules associated with this transaction."
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Multiple outlets reported on Monday that the NBA was investigating the situation, with the possibility of a fine for the public request.
Davis, 26, is making a salary of $ 25.4 million this season. He was fined $ 25,000 in December 2017 for verbally abusing a game official, but has not been fined since joining the NBA.
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Fines for violations may vary. Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson was fined $ 50,000 in February for public comments praising Milwaukee Bucks' striker Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That was less than a year after the Lakers were fined $ 500,000 – the largest ever – after NBA general manager Rob Pelinka was communicating with Paul George's agent while George was with the Indiana Pacers .
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ESPN said on Tuesday that the Lakers – whose star, LeBron James, also represented by Paul – should make a major effort to acquire Davis before the Feb. 7 deadline, but the Pelicans are in no hurry to negotiate with Davis while expect an attractive package in return.
Davis can not become a free agent until the summer of 2020.
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