Here are four loftier trade targets for the New Orleans Pelicans to consider at center.
The NBA is entering trade season as the NBA draft appears. While it isn't the only time that trades will happen, it's when a lot of moves occur. Many are waiting to see if the New Orleans Pelicans sell, but they could also get aggressive in adding players.
It's clear that the plan for this coaching staff and front office is to try to compete as soon as possible, avoiding a rebuild, which could lead to them wanting to fill the holes currently present on the roster.
One of their biggest needs is a big, rebounding, rim-protecting center. Here are some options that could be available for trade this offseason, but would be more expensive options for the Pelicans and likely require moving draft assets:
Miami Heat C Kel'el Ware
Ware is the name that many fans in New Orleans will bring up first, because he does project as a perfect fit with this current Pelicans team. He is a seven-footer who can shoot the three-ball well and is one of the best rebounders in the league. There are some effort concerns and consistency issues, but the potential for an All-Pro center is there.
Detroit Pistons C Isaiah Stewart
The Pistons are about to be heavily invested into the front court with Jalen Duren's upcoming massive payday and they barely played Stewart in the playoffs, so they should absolutely be open to moving him. He is someone that Troy Weaver drafted and would fit perfectly in the culture that New Orleans is trying to build. He is a little small for the Pelicans' lineup, but he makes up for it with how he plays. He is an elite rim protector.
Cleveland Cavaliers C Jarrett Allen
If the Cavaliers want to move Evan Mobley to the five, which is where many believe he should be full-time, then it could open up Allen for a move. The 28-year-old averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds on 63.8% from the field. While he wouldn't add any spacing, he's great at everything else. He
Milwaukee Bucks C Myles Turner
Turner is an interesting case. He was a highly respected center with the Indiana Pacers and then signed with the Bucks this past offseason before going on to have a nightmare season. He averaged 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, both of which were career lows dating back to his rookie season. He did still shoot 38.3% on 5.4 threes per game, though. Perhaps New Orleans can buy low on him as Milwaukee just looks to get out of his contract.
