Speaking to reporters on Friday for the first time since his trade request, New Orleans Pelicans superstar big man Anthony Davis said he will play for the franchise again once his left index finger is fully healed.

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 7. If the Pelicans don't trade Anthony Davis by then, some around the league speculated that Davis would be shut down for the season. AD, however, says that won't be the case, although Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry wouldn't confirm if Davis will play again this season for New Orleans.

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Anthony Davis has an extensive injury history. If New Orleans decides to wait until the summer to trade Davis, they might be better suited to shut AD down so he doesn't get hurt. It will ultimately be a collaborative decision between Davis and the Pelicans.

It is unclear when Anthony Davis will fully heal from the finger injury. The Pelicans said on Jan. 19 that the All-Star power forward would miss one-to-two weeks.

Davis has played in 41 games this season. The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field, 32.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.2 percent from the free-throw line.

Davis has 32 double-doubles on the season. New Orleans is 20-21 when Davis plays.