The best NBA teams have balance. If they’ve got a dynamic talent with a shortcoming, that’s fine – as long as they’ve got the roster to cover for that shortcoming. Otherwise, that flaw in a player’s game is likely to be exploited by opponents.
Just ask the New Orleans Pelicans. When healthy, Zion Williamson is one of the best players in the NBA. His ability to get to the rim is almost unmatched around the league. Unfortunately, he’s not the strongest defender. Perhaps that’s why they’re allegedly looking to shop Jonas Valanciunas.
It’s not that Valanciunas isn’t a valuable player – he is. His ability to stretch the floor makes him an invaluable offensive piece. Meanwhile, Valanciunas can be a dominant rebounder. Unfortunately, his slow feet can render him a defensive liability. With that said, he could thrive next to a true defensive anchor. Could the Los Angeles Lakers trade for him with that in mind?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas
With that said, some dynamic talents are easier to build around than others. The fewer holes a star player has in his game, the easier it is to construct a roster to compliment him. LeBron James has been the golden standard for years in that regard.
James has no major holes in his game. Sure, his defense has slipped – he used to be an elite defender, but now, James mostly turns it on in the postseason. Meanwhile, James isn’t an elite shooter, but he’s passable – his shooting hardly qualifies as a hole. This is one of the most well-rounded players in NBA history.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Could Williamson get there? Well, James sets a high standard, but there’s no denying Williamson’s potential. With that said, he’s got work to do beyond being able to stay healthy. Could Hachimura help open his game up?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
No. In fact, Hachimura feels like a poor fit on this roster. The Pelicans are stacked with forwards. Beyond Williamson, they’ve got Brandon Ingram. Trey Murphy III is also starting caliber, and Herb Jones should spend some time at the 3. Larry Nance is still here too. What are we doing?
Gaining the Pelicans an asset. That’s all that’s really happening here. Valanciunas is on an expiring deal, and Hachimura is on a long-term, team-friendly deal. If the Pelicans have to trade him later, that’s fine.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Perhaps they could trade him for a defensive-minded big. The Pelicans have an apparent interest in replacing Valanciunas with such a player. Whether that’s a two step process or a one step process isn’t especially relevant. Hachimura is an excellent return for Valanciunas. Should the Lakers send him to New Orleans?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
It depends. If Hachimura is thriving throughout the season, the Lakers may not like this deal. He’s much younger than Valanciunas. If this is working, the Lakers may not want to mess with a bad thing.
Time will tell whether this works. Hachimura looked good in the purple and gold last season. Still, that’s a small sample size. He’s looked like an underperformer for most of his NBA career. If that holds true next season, the Lakers could look to move him as the deadline approaches.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If so, it’s hard to think of a better fit than Valanciunas. His defensive limitations will matter less alongside Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, his ability to space the floor will offset Davis’ limitations in that area. This feels like a perfect fit – it’ll give the Lakers an extremely balanced starting lineup.
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