When the New Orleans Pelicans allowed Jonas Valanciunas to go away for the Washington Wizards, they by no means discovered an acceptable beginning middle once more this season. Now that Valanciunas is gone, he has acquired a slew of commerce curiosity from many potential championship contenders.
This week it was reported by Sam Amick and Tony Jones from The Athletic that the Denver Nuggets have expressed curiosity in Valanciunas.
“In consequence, the Nuggets have expressed curiosity in or held preliminary commerce discussions within the following gamers: Zach LaVine of Chicago, Jordan Poole of Washington, Jordan Clarkson of Utah, De’Andre Hunter of Atlanta, Cam Johnson of Brooklyn and Jonas Valančiūnas of Washington, “Amic mentioned.
Even earlier than that, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that Valanciunas was attracting curiosity from the Los Angeles Lakers.
“”As Athletics As beforehand reported, a Lakers commerce is extra probably later in January or early February earlier than the deadline, giving Los Angeles extra time to guage the roster and see if injured gamers like Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wooden can plug among the holes within the group. rotation,” Buha mentioned. “Nevertheless it looks like, if the Lakers transfer sooner, buying and selling for Valančiūnas, Johnson and/or Finney-Smith can be essentially the most sensible exception.”
New for @TheAthletic: Introduction to the Lakers commerce season:
— Are the Lakers prone to transfer?
— Who’re sensible participant archetypes and commerce targets?
— Are there any untouchable gamers?
— What is going to Lakers groups anticipate?This and far more right here: https://t.co/5JCZZx9HSo
–Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 17, 2024
Because the dominoes proceed to fall, it seems that increasingly more Pelicans starters shall be traded to rival groups. Gamers like Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas can all make reputable contributions to playoff groups. With that in thoughts, it begs the query of why none of them might make it work on the Pelicans.
Zion Williamson will get brutally sincere after loss to Warriors
The New Orleans Pelicans shake up their staff after their loss to the Warriors
Sincere assertion from Brandon Ingram on Pelicans’ loss to Warriors
