6 Most likely Pelicans to be traded during 2024 offseason
By Will Eudy
2. Jonas Valanciunas
One of the Pelicans' most reliable big men, Jonas Valanciunas has anchored the frontcourt in New Orleans for the last three seasons. A physical and underrated big that rebounds exceptionally well, Jonas has been a mainstay in the Pels' starting lineup since he first arrived in town.
Valanciunas has been an excellent fit next to Zion Williamson in the frontcourt. With his ability to stretch the floor, he frees up space in the pain for Zion to do his thing while also providing a solid shooting threat from the perimeter. This past season, he was one of the few players in the NBA to play all 82 games in the season.
So why would the Pelicans think of trading him? The main reason is concerning his contract. Jonas will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. After earning a $15.4 million salary this past season and given his continued solid production, it is not hard to imagine there being a solid trade market for the big man.
With that being the case, New Orleans may do best to move on from him, but they would undoubtedly want to orchestrate a sign-and-trade to avoid losing him for nothing.