Author: Monojit Mandal
This summer, the New Orleans Pelicans are actively trying to improve their team, especially at the power forward position. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the organization has made Jonas Valaninas available for trade, as they are looking for more athletic centers who can protect the rim.
Valaninas has been with the Pelicans for the last two years and is in the final year of his contract, which is worth US$15.4 million for the 2023-24 season. Its performance, however, fell during the 2022-23 period.
In his first season with the Pelicans in 2021-22, Valaninas averaged 17.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in 74 games. He also showed off his shooting ability, with a 54.4% field goal percentage and 36.1% three-point shooting.
Unfortunately, Valaninas’ productivity fell in all statistical categories the following season. In 79 games, he averaged 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Their field goal percentage remained consistent, with 54.7% and 34.9% shooting from beyond the arc, respectively.
After a dismal spell in New Orleans, which was exacerbated by injuries to former first-round pick Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are eager to improve in order to compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming 2023-24 season.
According to sources, the Pelicans have held talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a possible trade for Jarrett Allen, who could serve as Valanciunas’ replacement. However, it is unclear whether the Cavaliers will consider such a trade involving their valuable pivot.
Allen has been an important component of the Cavaliers’ line-up over the last two and a half seasons, complementing the skills of Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell. Allen demonstrated his powers in the 2022-23 period, averaging 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting an incredible 64.4% from the floor.
On the court, however, there are doubts about Allen’s chemistry with Williamson. Both players are inconsistent outside shooters, and Allen’s presence could limit Williamson’s efficiency on the court.
In addition to Allen, the Pelicans have yet to announce any other possible targets for a new forward this offseason. Fans and observers alike are awaiting more information on the movements of the New Orleans squad as they try to put together a dominant team for next season.