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Pelicans to cut Davis' minutes for remainder of season

Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Since sitting him out entirely doesn't appear to be a viable option, the New Orleans Pelicans will do the next best thing and cut Anthony Davis' playing time to preserve their trade asset.

"You will see a reduction in Anthony's minutes," interim general manager Danny Ferry told reporters on Thursday, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. "You'll probably see Jrue's minutes come down because his minutes have been so high all year."

Ferry went on to add the tentative plan is for Davis' minutes to be capped at roughly 20-to-25 per game over the final 23 outings of the regular season. The six-time All-Star ranks sixth in the Association at 36 minutes per game and has played at least 35 minutes in 32 of his 45 appearances thus far.

Rules dictate teams can't sit stars who are deemed healthy to compete, with fines upward to $100,000 being handed down if defied. Davis suffered a shoulder injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to the All-Star break but went on to compete in the All-Star Game just days later, albeit for five minutes.

"League rules made it clear Anthony has to play," Ferry added. "As we've done previously, we will continue to follow their lead but also be focused on the future of the team."

Ferry stepped into his position following the firing of former general manager Dell Demps on Feb. 15. He had previously served as a special advisor since 2016.

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