Jrue Holiday Calls Anthony Davis 'An Ultimate Professional' Amid Trade Rumors

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday is continuing to stand behind Anthony Davis despite his recent trade request.

According to ESPN.com's Royce Young, Holiday was complimentary of Davis on Wednesday following the Pels' 105-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets: "I feel like with Anthony here, he's still very encouraging, he's definitely a team player, an ultimate professional. But as a team, I think we're trying to feed off each other, help each other out."

Davis' agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday that Davis has requested a trade and will not re-sign with the Pelicans when his contract expires after next season.

After Davis' trade request, Holiday told Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com that Davis' presence played a significant role in his decision to re-sign with the Pels: "He's like 90 percent of the reason that I stayed. He's a talent that comes once in a generation. A 7-footer who can do everything at his skill level."

Holiday signed a five-year, $126 million deal with the Pelicans in July 2017.

While he isn't a superstar like Davis, he is an All-Star-level player who is averaging career highs in points (21.2), assists (8.0) and rebounds (4.9).

If and when the Pelicans trade Davis, Holiday is in line to be the face of the franchise and the player tasked with keeping them competitive.

Since New Orleans stands to land a strong package of draft picks and young players, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that the team could be better without Davis. Of course, the Pels may look to move Holiday as well after dealing Davis.

Davis has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers since Paul also represents LeBron James, and the Lakers are capable of putting an enticing deal together, including the likes of Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and Ivica Zubac.

Adding them to Holiday would give the Pelicans a decent core.

The Pelicans have no obligation to deal Davis before the Feb. 7 deadline, though, and it won't be surprising if they wait until the offseason to get potentially better offers.