The NBA fined Anthony Davis $50,000 on Tuesday, saying his agent's public comments about the All-Star forward's desire to be traded violated the collective bargaining agreement.
"The fine is for statements that were made by Davis' agent, Rich Paul, in an intentional effort to undermine the contractual relationship between Davis and the Pelicans," the league's statement read.
Paul told several outlets on Monday, including the Los Angeles Times, that Davis had asked the Pelicans for a trade and informed the team that he would not agree to a "supermax" contract extension that could have paid him $240 million over five years.
Only the Pelicans are eligible to pay Davis that much money and by being traded he will leave significant money on the table. Davis signed a five-year deal worth $127 million in the 2016-17 season.
The Lakers intend to make an offer for Davis soon and it could involve several of their young players. The Pelicans have interest in Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac, but would likely ask for draft picks from the Lakers in addition to that.
New Orleans is in no rush to make a deal and was rankled by Davis' request. In a statement released on Monday, the Pelicans said they had asked the league to strictly enforce its tampering policy.
While $50,000 might not constitute much of Davis's salary, it is the maximum the NBA is allowed to fine a player for public comments asking for a trade, according to the league's bylaws.
