NBA rumors: In spite of some rumblings, the New Orleans Pelicans have no intention of trading away Zion Williamson. The former No. 1 overall pick still remains to be their cornerstone superstar, and they plan to continue to build around him for the foreseeable future.
At this point, it appears that the Pels are looking to shore up their frontcourt. They are now being linked to two Eastern Conference centers, including Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star bog man Jarrett Allen.
NBA Rumors: Pelicans ‘Exploring Deals’ for Jarrett Allen, Isaiah Stweart
At the moment, New Orleans’ starting center role belongs to Jonas Valanciunas. However, the 31-year-old is now headed into the final season of his current contract with the Pelicans, making him a flight risk next summer via NBA free agency. The Pels are now preparing for this possible eventuality, and according to William Guillory and John Hollinger of The Athletic, Cavs big man Jarrett Allen is in their crosshairs:
“With Valančiūnas heading into the final year of his deal, the Pels have been sniffing around for other options in recent months. There have been rumors of them exploring potential deals for Jarrett Allen or Isaiah Stewart, but nothing has materialized quite yet,” Guillory wrote.
Allen, who was named an All-Star in 2022, has three more years remaining in his current contract with the Cavs. He’s a key member of Cleveland’s core, though, which means that the Cavs will likely demand a major haul if they ever decide to make him available via trade.
Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons could be a more attainable target for the Pelicans. The incoming fourth-year center is not in the same category as Allen, and he could be available at a much lower price, assuming of course, that the Pistons are willing to part ways with their starting center. Although, Stewart is entering the final year of his contract as well, so like Valanciunas, he could walk away as a free agent next summer.
NBA Rumors: Bucks’ Divisional Rivals Could Lose Key Players to Pelicans
Either one of these deals could potentially impact the Milwaukee Bucks. Both the Cavs and the Pistons are part of the Central Division in the East, and both sides could potentially run the risk of losing their starting center to the Pelicans. It goes without saying, however, that they should get a significant return in any potential trade, which could also impact the Bucks and their objective of claiming the top spot in the Central Division (and in the Eastern Conference as well) in 2023-24.
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