The NBA has fined New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis $US50,000 for violating a rule prohibiting players or their representatives from making public trade demands.
Davis' agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN on Monday that his client "wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship."
The team later acknowledged Davis had requested a trade over the weekend.
In a statement announcing the fine on Tuesday, the NBA called Paul's comments "an intentional effort to undermine the contractual relationship between Davis and the Pelicans."
Davis, 26, is making a salary of $US25.4 million ($A35.5 million) this season. He was fined $US25,000 in December of 2017 for verbally abusing a game official, but has not otherwise been fined since entering the NBA.
ESPN reported earlier on Tuesday that the Lakers - whose star, LeBron James, is also represented by Paul - are expected to make a heavy push to acquire Davis before the February 7 trade deadline.
Davis cannot become a free agent until the summer of 2020.
