Onyeka Okongwu

The New Orleans Pelicans don’t necessarily need an upgrade at center – but perhaps they need a change of skillset.

Valanciunas is a great defensive center and elite rebounder. On offense, he can be called upon to generate points all by himself. With Williamson coming back though, perhaps the starting lineup will have too many mouths to feed in the scoring department.

A player like Onyeka Okongwu would fit seamlessly with the Pelicans’ roster. Okongwu has shined alongside Trae Young as a rim-rummer, lob threat, and defensive stopper. The Pelicans could use a player like that alongside their dangerous scoring options.

Okongwu’s defense would be the big draw of this move. Zion Williamson struggled as a defender in the last season he played. CJ has never been particularly stout on that end, and though Herb Jones is elite and Ingram is improved, a defensive-minded center would be a huge addition for this group.

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As a promising young player, Okongwu would be expensive on the trade market. Salary-wise, though, acquiring him would not be that difficult.

A return largely depends on what Atlanta is looking for. Athletic big Jaxson Hayes could be part of an intriguing offer, along with some draft selections.