The NBA has denied a report from ESPN that indicated the New Orleans Pelicans were threatened with a $100,000 per game fine if they sat Anthony Davis.

The Pelicans decided to play Davis for the remainder of the season despite his trade request on Jan. 28.

Davis' agent, Rich Paul, lobbied officials from the league to clear him to play.

“Anthony Davis will play the remainder of the 2018-19 season for the New Orleans Pelicans,” New Orleans General Manager Dell Demps said in a statement last week. “A number of factors contributed to this decision. Ultimately Anthony made it clear to us that he wants to play and 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 N.B.A. policies. We believe Anthony playing upholds the values that are in the best interest of the N.B.A. and its fans. We look forward to seeing Anthony in a Pelicans uniform soon.”