Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal 

Valanciunas may be a better offensive player than Robinson. That shouldn’t matter to the Pelicans. 

This team has Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum on their roster. That trio, when healthy, can generate as much offense as any in the NBA. The Pelicans are good on that front. 

On the other hand, they’re starved for stopping power. This deal nets them plenty. Robinson has emerged as one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. 

Of course, he’ll want a bigger role in New Orleans than he has in New York. That’s fine. The Pelicans can carve out a percentage of Valanciunas’ role for him. If he’s capable of filling it, this is a steal.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates   

Still, even if he isn’t, this deal has the Pelicans getting exactly what they need. 

If all goes well, their 2023-24 season shouldn’t just be interesting – it should be good.