Pelicans Reportedly Still Covet Cavs’ Jarrett Allen, Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr.

The New Orleans Pelicans are no fools. They know they need help in the middle.

After all, they lost starting center Jonas Valanciunas to the Washington Wizards in free agency, and sent big men Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller to the Atlanta Haws as part of the trade for guard Dejounte Murray.

So that has left a hole at center — unless you count rookie Yves Missi or new signee Daniel Theis.

So New Orleans is continuing its quest for a pivot, perhaps still with eyes for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen (as has long been reported), as well as the Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. It is believed that the Pelicans may be dangling forward Brandon Ingram in their search for a big.

All of this was written about in great detail by outstanding Pelicans reporter Will Guillory of The Athletic.

“Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen and Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. are both players the Pelicans have coveted for some time, according to team sources,” Guillory wrote. “Each possesses qualities that New Orleans is looking for now and down the line at the position. Allen, in particular, is a player the Pelicans have kept tabs on for years.

“However, the Cavaliers have placed immense value on Allen’s contributions even though his offensive fit next to Evan Mobley has at times been clunky. The addition of Kenny Atkinson as Cleveland’s new head coach makes an Allen deal feel like more of a long shot; Allen thrived under Atkinson in their three seasons together in Brooklyn.”

Pelicans head of basketball operations David Griffin used to be the boss of Koby Altman, who has been running the show for the Cavs since 2018. But Guillory’s speculation is right on. The Cavs don’t appear willing to trade Allen to the Pelicans, or anyone. And it may be equally difficult to pry Carter away from the Magic.

But New Orleans’ offseason is far from finished, and there very well still could be a splashy move for a man in the middle still to come.