The New Orleans Pelicans could use another big body at center to help bring their defense together; these three players are some of the most intriguing names left on the market.
This hasn't been a very active offseason for the New Orleans Pelicans up to this point, but that doesn't mean a big swing is completely off the books.
If Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver want to improve their roster and give themselves a better chance to win right now, then adding an established defensive center is their best bet. They have contracts to move in Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins, and draft compensation isn't completely off the table. Some intriguing names are rumored to at least be available for offers.
Most teams who have won under 30 wins for the past few seasons would have probably committed to a rebuild at this point, focusing on Jeremiah Fears Derik Queen and Yves Missi. This has never been a normal team, thoguh.
A starting lineup of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and an established center would at least be a play-in team with a potential to be even better.
Here are some names who the Pelicans could consider to fill that role:
Milwaukee Bucks C Myles Turner
Turner is coming off of a career-worst year, but he would be a great fit with their current roster and the analytics didn't look much worse than they were before. He is making solid money for a starting center and is a great shooter for a center. The downside is that he isn't a great defensive rebounder, which is one of New Orleans' biggest needs. They would need Missi and Queen to step up big time.
Cleveland Cavaliers C Jarrett Allen
Allen would be a bit more expensive, but they would also be getting a defensive stalwhart would could fit next to Queen longterm if he continues to evolve his offensive bag. Allen is efficient on offense and a good rebounder. He's not the rim protector that they are looking for, but he's an All-Star level center. It's hard to ignore what that could do to their team in the immediate future.
Detroit Pistons C Jalen Duren
Duren would be the hardest to land and most expensive of anyone in this group, but he's a 22-year-old All-NBA. His market is weird after a poor playoff debut, but not going after him because of that is an overreaction. It would solidify their big three with him, Fears and Queen. That's not hard to be excited about. The question is if it would cost Murphy or Missi.
Honorable Mentions: Daniel Gafford, Jalen Smith, Zeke Nnaji
