NBA's Adam Silver Says 'We Disfavor Trade Demands' After Anthony Davis' Request
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reiterated Friday the league is against trade demands after it fined New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis $50,000 in late January for making a public trade request.
"Of course, from the league's standpoint, we disfavor trade demands," Silver told reporters.
In February, the sixth-year commissioner said during NBA All-Star Weekend he wanted any potential trade talk "handled behind closed doors."
"In terms of trade demands, again, certainly, that's nothing new in this league, and I won't name names, but some of the greatest players in the history of this league have demanded trades at various points in their contract," Silver told reporters. "Having said that, no one likes to see an instance where a player is demanding that he be traded when he still is in the middle of a contractual obligation to a team."
Silver added that while trade rumors and speculation create plenty of television, radio and internet buzz, it's not the type of attention the NBA covets.
"I think, when they make a public spectacle of it, I hear you in terms of the enormous media interest that comes from it, but that's not the kind of media interest we're looking for," he said.
Meanwhile, Davis continued to openly discuss his desire to find a new home after receiving the $50,000 fine, making his own All-Star Weekend comments about his future:
The 26-year-old Chicago native, who's a six-time All-Star selection and three-time First Team All-NBA choice, will take center stage over the summer as potentially the top player available on the trade market. Add in expected interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, and the media frenzy will reach a fever pitch once again.
It's unlikely the situation will be completely contained behind closed doors as Silver hoped.
