The New Orleans Pelicans have had a relatively surprising quiet off-season, and they are looking to make some noise by adding reinforcement in their frontcourt.
The center position can be a void in the team, as Jonas Valenciunas will enter the final year of his contract in the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season, where he is slated to earn $15.4 million. The Lithuanian big man has sought an extension with New Orleans, but the team has not offered it yet.
The Pelicans are rumored to be interested in Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen and Detroit Pistons' Isaiah Stewart II. Allen signed a five-year deal worth $100 million with the Cavs in 2021, keeping him in Ohio until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
On the other hand, Stewart recently became the first Piston to be handed a rookie contract extension since 2008. The 22-year-old signed a four-year deal worth $64 million, which takes effect in 2024-25, keeping him in the Motor City until 2027-28.
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New Orleans Pelicans fall short of expectations
The team has been underwhelming for the past few years despite boasting a formidable line-up of players with All-Star experience in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans have only made the playoffs once in the past five seasons, losing in six games in the first round against the Phoenix Suns in 2022.
The Pelicans may have to give a significant chunk of their assets to acquire a quality big man since their two rumored targets are locked in on long-term deals.
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