Grade the trade: Spurs land ideal center to pair with Victor Wembanyama in proposal

Laying out the San Antonio Spurs trade proposal for Jonas Valanciunas

New Orleans is looking for a center upgrade as Valanciunas enters the final year of his contract. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported the Pelicans interest in improving their rim-protection and mobility at the five. Could they upgrade to Jarrett Allen? If so, that could leave JV up for grabs.

The Spurs would love to be the third team in that trade, and the deal could look something like this.

The Pelicans flip Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance Jr., and one first-round draft pick into Allen and Isaac Okoro. It is a steep price to pay for New Orleans, but the former All-Star big man has three years left on his deal and should only improve. Allen protects the rim and significantly upgrades their defense as the Pels look to jump into contention.

The Cavaliers abandon the two big man lineup with this deal. Evan Mobley becomes their starting center with Larry Nance Jr. returning to Cleveland to back him up. Reggie Bullock gives them a needed wing, and the Cavs get some draft capital that could be used to further improve their roster.

With two teams in agreement, they need the San Antonio Spurs to facilitate the trade. Would the Spurs give up Bullock and two second-round picks to get Jonas Valanciunas?