Report: NBA to fine Pelicans $100K for each game Davis sits

Even with the NBA trade deadline in the rearview, the drama surrounding New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis continues.

The league informed the Pelicans that they'll be fined $100,000 per game if Davis is benched, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst. In 2017, the NBA implemented a rule that restricts teams from resting healthy players.

Davis' playing schedule has been discussed often, even before the club didn't deal the six-time All-Star at the deadline. His agent, Rich Paul, called the league office to express concern that the Pelicans wouldn't play Davis if he isn't traded, according to Windhorst.

Davis was reportedly medically cleared to play on Monday against the Indiana Pacers, but the Pelicans held him out.

Some voices within the organization supported the decision to sit a healthy Davis, reports Windhorst. Davis met with the Pelicans after the trade deadline and told them that he wants to play in as many games as possible.

The team agreed with Davis on a reduced workload that involves him sitting out one end of any back-to-back games. The 25-year-old will consult with the Pelicans about which games he'll play during back-to-backs the rest of the season.

Davis will be in the starting lineup for Friday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's missed the Pelicans' last nine games due to a fractured finger.