Jazz Urged to Trade for Pelicans’ Jonas Valanciunas in B/R Proposal
The Utah Jazz have been no stranger to being placed into various offseason rumors and put through the hypothetical trade machine. Stacked with multiple coveted assets on the roster and in their stash of draft picks, this franchise stands out as one of the most appealing partners to make a deal with.
However, some potential trades that come around do tend to raise some eyebrows, with Bleacher Report’s newest proposal involving the Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams are settled with rosters sitting on the edge of the playoffs and could be candidates to make a late move before entering the season.
Utah Jazz receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, 2030 second-round pick
New Orleans Pelicans receive: C Kelly Olynyk
In the trade, the Jazz add Valanciunas and a second-round pick in return for the veteran Olynyk, who currently sits on an expiring contract. Olynyk might be a key piece to keep an eye on in the event of a trade considering the situations surrounding his increasing age (32) and money.
Valanciunas finds himself in a similar scenario, entering his age-31 season on an expiring contract. However, he’s seen increased production from Olynyk in his time with New Orleans, averaging a collective 15.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in his two years of play. He also remains consistent in his production beyond the arc, averaging above a 35% clip during his career.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey sounded off on why the Jazz would be one to do this deal, signaling the attached draft capital (while minor) as a significant component of the trade:
So, why would Utah do this? That answer begins and ends with the draft compensation. The Jazz were better than expected last season, but they're still pretty close to the outset of their rebuild. Moving a veteran on an expiring contract—especially when the player coming back is on one as well—is preferable to the possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency next summer.
If the Jazz decided to act on this deal, Valanciunas would be expected to fill a depth role behind C Walker Kessler. The talent is present when you bring in a nightly double-double guy like Valanciunas, but the future of the center position is clearly with their 2022 first-round pick.
Established with their young core to move forward, the Jazz are positioned well to head into the future. Still, a move to boost their veteran talent, depth, and picks could be a savvy move for Danny Ainge to act on.
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