Utah Jazz Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Devonte’ Graham
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Mike Conley
The New Orleans Pelicans may be on the verge of something special. Acquiring a veteran point guard could be the move that pushes them over the edge.
After all, this Pelicans team already made a postseason run in 2021-22 and they want to continue to make postseasons in New Orleans. Considering the young age of their core, that’s impressive. When you remember that they were without, ostensibly, their most important player, it’s all the more so.
Zion Williamson will be back in 2022-23, and fresh off a massive rookie extension no less. The Pels will be looking to him to be their alpha offensive star. Could a veteran floor general like Conley enhance his game?
Meanwhile, they’ve got Jaxson Hayes lying in wait. He shined at the 4 spot in Williamson’s absence last season, but with the former number-one pick returning, he ought to slide back to the 5. That makes Valanciunas expendable.
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The Utah Jazz would be happy to welcome him to Salt Lake City if they’re retooling. On the other hand, if they’re outright rebuilding, they may not have an interest in what the New Orleans Pelicans reasonably would offer. In that event, this next deal should suit them better.
