Pelicans will allow Davis to play rest of season

The New Orleans Pelicans announced Thursday that Anthony Davis will play out the remainder of the season.

"A number of factors contributed to this decision," Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said in the statement. "Ultimately, Anthony made it clear to us that he wants to play and he gives our team the best opportunity to win games. Moreover, the Pelicans want to preserve the integrity of the game and align our organization with NBA policies."

There had been questions about whether the team would authorize Davis to return to the floor given his recent public trade request. One report last month suggested the Pelicans could shelve the superstar in order to preserve the health of their biggest asset ahead of what will now likely be a summer trade.

Given that Davis was not moved before Thursday's trade deadline, the Pelicans can now deal him between the offseason and next season's deadline. He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020.

The market for Davis is expected to open wider for New Orleans around July 1, when the Boston Celtics should be able to make an offer.

Davis has missed the last nine games with a fractured finger. He has been removed from the Pelicans' injury report, however, and could return to action on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.