Thursday 9 July 2015 17:36, UK
Anthony Davis has signed a five-year contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, worth a reported NBA record $145m over five years.
The agreement kicks in for the 2016-17 season, with Davis now under contract to the Pelicans for the next six years, and his annual salary will rise from $7m in 2015-16 to $29m next year.
New Orleans were able to offer the 22-year-old a maximum contract without fear of having to pay a luxury tax penalty, with the NBA's salary cap expected to increase significantly starting with the 2016-17 season when their new nine-year, $24bn TV deal begins.
"Words cannot describe the excitement of the New Orleans Pelicans to have Anthony Davis as the cornerstone of our organization," Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said.
"Anthony is a great person, a phenomenal player and the ideal representative of his family, the Pelicans and the New Orleans community.
"We are thrilled to have Anthony to commit to the Pelicans as we continue to build our team to have sustained success."
Davis signed the deal in Hong Kong where he is on tour working with youth camps, and he said: "I am very excited to continue to play for the Pelicans and remain a proud resident of New Orleans.
"I want to thank Mr and Mrs Benson, Dell Demps, Coach (Alvin) Gentry, the entire Pelicans' organization, my agent, and, of course, all of the incredible fans for their unwavering support. I look forward to many great years together."
Davis averages 19.5 points per game in his three-year NBA career so far - his next game will be his 200th in the league - along with 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.5 blocks.
