Shocking: Pelicans Key Superstar Player Departed And Signs One-year Deal With Their Rivals

For the 2024–2025 season, the New Orleans Pelicans will have a new starting center. Former Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN source Adrian Wojnarowski. The previous three seasons were spent in New Orleans, where Valanciunas gave the franchise a reliable center option.

Before Jonas arrived to clinch the position, New Orleans rotated through a number of centers, including Steven Adams and Derrick Favors, to position themselves close to Zion Williamson in the frontcourt. Of the 246 games that Valanciunas played for the Pelicans, 235 were played. Despite playing his fewest minutes since the 2017–2018 season, he participated in all 82 games last season. Jonas averaged 14.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 55% shooting from the field over his three years in New Orleans. with free agency, Valanciunas was connected to the Los Angeles Lakers; however, he finally reached a deal with Washington. There are no player or team options included in the three-year contract.

This season, the Pelicans selected Baylor center Yves Missi with the 21st overall choice in the NBA Draft. Missi has only been a basketball player for three years; she played for just one year at Baylor. The squad believes that before anticipating any significant contributions from him, he will need to develop gradually. This implies that New Orleans will need to get a starting center. Wendell Carter, Jr., the center for the Orland Magic, is reportedly attracting interest from the Pels.