With the 2024-25 NBA season fast approaching, the The New Orleans Pelicans appear to have a team that should be competitive in the Western Conference.

Obviously, the biggest question surrounding the team right now is the future of star forward Brandon Ingram. However, there is another question that needs to be answered.

Do the Pelicans have a good enough starting center? That’s the one area of ​​the roster that seems like a glaring weakness. Could they consider making a trade before the start of the season or at least before the trade deadline to acquire a center?

Bleacher Report has an idea in mind. They are urging New Orleans to consider a trade with Detroit Pistons for an intriguing young center.

Of course, that center is Jalen Duren.

Here is the trade suggested by Bleacher Report between the two teams:

New Orleans Pelicans host: Jalen Duren

Detroit Pistons receive: Jordan Hawkins, 2026 first-round trade rights (via Milwaukee), 2027 second-round pick (via Chicago)

Duren would be a very interesting addition for the Pelicans. He is only 20 years old and has already shown major potential. The main obstacle to this possibility is the fact that the Pistons may not be interested in trading him.

During the 2023-24 NBA season, Duren played in 61 games and started in 60 of those appearances. He averaged 13.8 points per game, along with 11.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 blocks. In addition to those numbers, he shot 61.9 percent from the field and 79.0 percent from the free throw line.

These numbers are very impressive for a 20-year-old center.

While it’s highly unlikely that Detroit would actually trade Duren, he would be a perfect addition for New Orleans. If they could find a way to acquire him, the Pelicans would be in a better position to compete.

All that being said, the stage is set for what could be a very big year for New Orleans. The team has the stars, the depth, and the pieces to make another trade if they choose. Everything is trending in the right direction.

Hopefully the center position doesn’t become a weak spot. If it does, the Pelicans should look to make an aggressive move like this.

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