Anthony Davis agrees to 5-year contract with Pelicans

Sam Amick | USA TODAY Sports

Show Caption Hide Caption Anthony Davis gets contract extension USA TODAY Sports on Anthony Davis signing a new long-term deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans wasted no time locking up rising star Anthony Davis on Tuesday, when they agreed to a five-year, $145 million extension that starts in the 2016-17 season.

The deal, which was confirmed to USA TODAY Sports by two people with knowledge of the situation, ensures that Davis will be the most important part of the Pelicans' picture. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet announced. Davis was drafted first overall out of Kentucky in 2012, and his ascent has been as rapid as they come.

He averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.2 assists last season, as New Orleans made the playoffs for the first time in his three seasons before falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the first round.