Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Devonte’ Graham

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Gordon Hayward

This is probably the most obvious formulation of a deal available in this situation.

The Charlotte Hornets need a center, and the New Orleans Pelicans have two. Jaxson Hayes emerged as a viable NBA starter in 2021-22. He spent a lot of time at power forward, but given Zion Williamson’s impending return, that won’t be an option moving forward.

Here, the Pelicans clear room for him at his more natural center position by moving on from Valanciunas. Saying goodbye won’t be easy. The bruising Lithuanian big man emerged as a bonafide stretch big man in 2021-22. In light of the traditional big man qualities he gives you in addition, that’s a big development.

The Pelicans may view him as expendable if they’re acquiring Hayward. In all likelihood, they’d transition the former All-Star into a sixth-man role. By staggering his minutes with Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans would be able to have a playmaking wing on the floor for all 48 minutes of every game.

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On the other hand, if the Pelicans prefer to keep Valanciunas, they could interest the Hornets in their other starting-caliber big.