The stunning report comes from NBA expert Adrian Wojnarowski, who spoke to Paul about Davis’ desire to leave.
He wrote on Twitter: “Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.”
Wojnarowski then quoted Paul as saying: “Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.
“Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now.
“That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”
Paul is the long-time agent of LeBron James, who is desperate for Davis to join him at the Lakers.
The Pelicans can offer Davis a supermax deal worth $ 240million in the summer.
But the 25-year-old, a five-time All-Star, has repeatedly held off making a decision on his future until now.
The Lakers are the favourites to get him now if they put forward an enticing enough offer.
The NBA trade deadline closes on February 7 so the Lakers face a race to convince the Pelicans.
Last week, NBA legend Reggie Miller claimed the Pelicans could be enticed into a trade for Davis if Kyle Kuzma is put in a package.
“That would be huge if they could get Anthony Davis,” Miller said on The Dan Patrick Show.
“I’m hearing rumblings in New Orleans. The whole finger issue, granted I think he is hurt, but if they get a chance to get Anthony Davis to play alongside LeBron James…
“When LeBron comes back, it’s not etched in stone that they’re going to go on another run.
“They had just built up playing together and playing well when he went down.
“What are they now? Five and nine without him and now they’re in 10th place in the Western Conference.
“No Ball for another month and Rondo is on the verge of coming back.
“It’s time maybe for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to make a big move.
“The question is, who are you going to give up?
“To me personally, Kuzma can not be in the deal but I have a feeling he will be.
“He will be in the deal. Who has been the best player on the Lakers besides LeBron James? He [Kuzma] has to be in the deal unfortunately.”
