The New Orleans Pelicans addressed one major area of need — point guard — by trading for Dejounte Murray last week.

The franchise’s focus now is on the center spot. In a three-day span, the Pelicans lost their two leading minutes-getters at the position from last season.

Larry Nance Jr., a mobile big man Pelicans coach Willie Green liked to close games with, was included in the Murray trade. Then, on Sunday, interior bruiser Jonas Valanciunas signed a three-year deal with the Washington Wizards in free agency.

Valanciunas’ departure means the Pelicans will employ their fourth different starting center since 2019, when the team drafted Zion Williamson No. 1 overall.

Here are four options to be Valanciunas’ replacement.

Jarrett Allen

The Pelicans were interested in acquiring Allen before the trade deadline in February, and he remains one of the team’s top targets. Allen has a track record of anchoring elite defenses, and he is only 26 years old. He would clearly be the most dangerous lob threat and best rim protector Williamson has shared a frontcourt with, but right now, there is skepticism the Cavaliers will part ways with him.

“They could definitely trade him for value,” ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said Tuesday. “But from what I understand, Kenny Atkinson does not want to trade Jarrett Allen. … As of right now, I would go back to what Koby Altman said on the record. I don’t think they’re trading him.”

Atkinson, who was recently hired as the Cavaliers coach, coached Allen when they were both with the Brooklyn Nets. Allen has two years remaining on his contract worth $40 million total. 

Walker Kessler

Kessler, a 7-foot-1 giant who was the 22nd pick in 2022, has been a rotation player for the Utah Jazz for the past two seasons. Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks in 23.2 minutes per game in his career. His 8.9% block rate is not far off from the 10.0% block rate Victor Wembanyama posted as a rookie.

All of this is to say: Kessler provides real rim protection, a quality Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin has said he covets.

Kessler still has two years remaining on his rookie contract. To engage the Jazz, the Pelicans would likely have to send them a promising young player or draft capital.

Multiple NBA sources outside the Pelicans’ organization have said they see a potential fit with Kessler in New Orleans. However, the Jazz’s asking price to move Kessler is said to be high.

Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic have a glut of big men under contract after re-signing Gogo Bitadze and Mo Wagner this offseason. Is it possible they could make Wendell Carter Jr. available? The Pelicans certainly hope so.

Carter was another player the Pelicans had interest in before the trade deadline in February. He’s the type of mobile center Green and assistant coach Jarron Collins love. Additionally, Carter is a capable passer and outside shooter (33.4% from 3 on 2.3 attempts for his career).

Carter is owed $12 million this season and $10.9 million next season. He’s a bargain, assuming he’s able to stay on the floor. He missed 27 games last season. He has never played in more than 62 games in any season of his career.

Isaiah Stewart

Stewart has split time between power forward and center in his four seasons in Detroit. He has quietly developed into a decent outside shooter. Stewart knocked down 3s at a 38.3% rate on almost four attempts per game last season. Stewart is willing to let 3s fly, and he is a good offensive rebounder and physical presence on the floor.

The Pistons drafted Jalen Duren in the lottery two years ago. It would be a surprise if Duren isn’t the team’s starting center on opening night this year.

Stewart is owed $15 million in each of the next three seasons. Trajan Langdon, who was with the Pelicans for five years, became the Pistons’ lead executive in May. Perhaps Langdon and his old boss, Griffin, could do business.

Email Christian Clark at [email protected].

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