Pelicans open to trading Jonas Valanciunas for defensive upgrades / News - Basketnews.com

New Orleans Pelicans are shopping Jonas Valanciunas in search of mobile, rim-protecting big men.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

New Orleans Pelicans have made their center Jonas Valanciunas available in the trade as they are looking for more mobile and rim-protecting big men, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Points this season

48%114,4Points made:114,4Accuracy:48,0%Place in standings:13Record max:138Record min:93Best scorer:Brandon IngramTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

This news comes despite Valanciunas expressing his desire to stay with the Pelicans almost a month ago.

"We had some talks with [the team]. I think this summer won't be easy for them [team executives] because they will have to make a few key decisions. Our season didn't go as planned, so there will definitely be changes," Valanciunas toldKestas Rimkus from 24sek.lt.

"I would like to stay and extend my contract," JV continued. "Obviously, during the season, you try to help the team as much as possible, but when the summer comes, you try to take care of your own things – how to extend the contract and stuff."

Valanciunas signed a two-year, $30M extension with the Pelicans in 2021 and committed to New Orleans for $44.1M over the 2021-24 period.

In 2023-24, Valanciunas will earn a base salary of $15,435,000.

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