Jonas Valanciunas Will Make A Huge Impact In Pelicans Frontcourt

• Some have forgotten his name after his initial time with the Toronto Raptors, but Jonas Valanciunas can be very imporatant in New Orleans next season.

• The Pelicans needed that skilled big man to play with young superstar Zion Williamson, so they went out and got him. Valanciunas will provide a ton of versatility under the basket, and will immediately give them more offensive production.

• The Pelicans are currently +11000 to win the 2022 NBA Title at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Pelicans Instantly Get better

The Jonas Valanciunas for Steven Adams swap is a big upgrade for a Pelicans team that couldn’t fit Adams into their game plan at all last season, it was just awkward.

This deal involved the Charlotte Hornets as well as the Memphis Grizzles. The Pels received Devonte Graham from the Hornets, who is a player that can fit into their lineup immediately and have an impact. He is a player they can build with for the future as well, and only gave up a protected first-round pick to get him.

They took the first-round pick that they got from the Grizzlies and drafted Trey Murphy at No. 17. Murphy is a player that the Grizzlies were eyeing up at one point according to many, but the Pelicans snagged him. At 21-years old, Murphy will help the team in the immediate future and for years to come.

Valanciunas also forms one of the most dynamic big-man duos with Williamson. They will be physically dominant underneath the basket and punish opposing teams that try their luck at them.

Pelicans Won The Trade

Looking at exactly what went down in this deal, the Pelicans made their team’s current roster better, while also increasing their team’s future value. For the Grizzlies, only one of those things can be said, as I think Memphis will take a step back in 2021-22. This trade seems to be panning out pretty well for the Pelicans.

Even though the Pelicans, like the Grizzlies, won’t be all that concerned with winning immediately, this deal will help them out right away. Losing Lonzo Ball to Chicago will hurt, but this team can handle his loss by going more to the big men.

BetQL has gone 50-34 (59.5%) ATS in Valanciunas' starts for a total return of $1,151. Get ready for the NBA season and take a look at what our NFL, NCAAF and MLB offerings look like today!