Brandon Ingram’s time with the New Orleans Pelicans has been a wild ride. He’s got all the talent in the world, but something just hasn’t clicked. The Pelicans have been all over the place, struggling with injuries and not really finding their groove. Ingram is an amazing scorer, but he’s had a tough time fitting in with Zion Williamson, who needs the ball a lot to be effective.
The Pelicans’ General Manager, David Griffin, has decided it’s time for a change. They recently made a big move by trading for Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. This trade is huge because Murray is a top-notch playmaker and defender, something the Pelicans have been missing. With this new direction, it looks like Ingram might be on his way out. There’s a lot of buzz about him possibly heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he could team up with Donovan Mitchell. This trade could shake things up for both teams in a big way.
Trade Proposal
Cavaliers receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, 2031 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a pretty solid run last season, finishing with a record of 48-34. They showed a lot of promise but fell short in the playoffs, getting knocked out in the second round by the Boston Celtics. The Cavs have a strong core with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland leading the way, but they clearly need a third-scoring option to take some of the pressure off their backcourt stars.
Mitchell had an incredible season, and Garland continued to develop into one of the league’s top young point guards. However, their playoff exit highlighted the need for another reliable scorer, especially when defenses zero in on their star duo. Adding someone like Brandon Ingram, who can create his own shot and score from anywhere on the court, could be the key to unlocking the Cavs’ full potential.
Ingram’s ability to handle the ball and make plays would also take some playmaking pressure off Garland, allowing him to thrive even more. This trade could address the Cavs’ need for a versatile wing scorer and elevate them into serious contention in the Eastern Conference.
Why The Pelicans Would Love This Move
For the Pelicans, this trade brings a host of benefits that align well with their current needs and future plans. Caris LeVert, who averaged 14.0 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 68 games during the 2023-24 season, is on an expiring contract. This provides immediate value without long-term financial commitment, crucial for a team looking to maintain flexibility. Off the bench, LeVert can be a primary creator, bringing veteran experience and scoring ability to the second unit.
Isaac Okoro, who averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 69 games last season, is just 23 years old and a defensive standout who can guard multiple positions. His defensive capabilities are precisely what the Pelicans need around their core players, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. With Dejounte Murray now in the backcourt, Okoro’s presence will be invaluable in shoring up the team’s perimeter defense and taking on tough defensive assignments.
Georges Niang brings solid three-point shooting and versatility, averaging 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 82 games. His ability to stretch the floor will provide more space for Zion to dominate inside, making the offense more dynamic and difficult to guard. The future draft picks included in the deal (a 2031 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2027) give the Pelicans additional assets for future trades or to build through the draft, ensuring they have options to improve the team further down the line.
Despite Ingram’s talent and scoring ability, his fit with the Pelicans has been less than ideal. The team has struggled with consistency and has been unable to establish a cohesive identity. Ingram’s ball-dominant style has often clashed with Zion Williamson’s need for the ball. Both players excel when they can control the offense, which has led to an awkward dynamic and inefficiency on the court. Moreover, Ingram’s defense has been a significant concern. While he can score at will, his subpar defensive performance has hurt the team, particularly in crucial moments. This defensive liability is something the Pelicans cannot afford if they hope to be serious contenders in the Western Conference.
The relationship between Ingram and the Pelicans’ management has also been strained. Reports of friction and uncertainty about Ingram’s future have been persistent. Ingram is entering the final year of his contract, and the Pelicans have been reluctant to offer him a maximum extension, preferring to build a more balanced roster that can complement Zion’s skills better.
With Dejounte Murray joining the team, the Pelicans are looking to enhance their defensive capabilities and overall team balance. Okoro’s defensive acumen fits perfectly into this vision, providing a young, versatile defender who can help cover for some of the team’s previous weaknesses. LeVert’s role as a secondary scorer off the bench further strengthens the Pelicans’ rotation, adding depth and flexibility.
Why The Cavs Should Consider This Idea
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a promising 2023-24 season, finishing with a 48-34 record and securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their playoff run, however, ended in the second round against the Boston Celtics. The team showed great potential but also revealed a glaring need for a third scoring option to complement their star backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Donovan Mitchell had an outstanding season, but his future with the Cavs has been the subject of much speculation. Despite rumors, Mitchell is expected to sign an extension, solidifying his commitment to the team. Still, to take the next step in their development and playoff success, the Cavaliers need more offensive firepower.
Brandon Ingram could be the perfect addition to meet this need. Ingram, a versatile forward, averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others would relieve some of the offensive burden from Mitchell and Garland. Ingram’s presence would allow Garland to focus more on playmaking, while Mitchell could continue to thrive as a primary scorer.
With a core lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Ingram, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers would boast one of the most balanced and dynamic starting fives in the league. Mobley, who averaged 16.2 points and significantly improved his physicality over the summer, and Allen would provide a strong defensive backbone. Meanwhile, Ingram’s scoring and versatility would add a new dimension to the Cavs’ offense, making them a more formidable opponent in the playoffs.
The trade would address the Cavaliers’s need for a reliable third scorer and offensive versatility, making them serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. By acquiring Ingram, the Cavs would not only improve their chances of a deeper playoff run but also secure a young star who fits well with their existing core. This strategic move could very well be the key to unlocking the Cavaliers’ full potential and establishing them as a perennial playoff team.
Who Would Win This Trade?
In evaluating the proposed trade, it’s clear that both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Orleans Pelicans stand to gain significant benefits. However, if I had to choose a definitive winner, it would be the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers would immediately benefit from the acquisition of Brandon Ingram. Ingram is a proven star who can elevate the team’s performance with his scoring ability and versatility. His presence would provide the Cavaliers with a much-needed third offensive weapon alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. This addition would relieve some of the offensive pressure from Mitchell and Garland, allowing them to be more effective in their roles. Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others would significantly improve the Cavaliers’ offensive dynamics, making them a more formidable team in the postseason.
Cleveland Cavaliers has struggled in the playoffs due to a lack of depth and scoring options. Ingram’s addition directly addresses this issue. His presence would make the Cavs a more dynamic and dangerous team in the postseason, significantly increasing their chances of advancing further. With a core lineup featuring Garland, Mitchell, Ingram, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers would boast one of the most balanced and formidable starting fives in the league. This lineup not only enhances their offensive capabilities but also maintains strong defensive integrity, making them contenders in the Eastern Conference.
On the other hand, the Pelicans would gain valuable pieces and future flexibility, but the benefits are more long-term. The inclusion of Caris LeVert provides immediate value without long-term financial commitment, as he is on an expiring contract. Isaac Okoro brings defensive prowess that fits well with the Pelicans’ need to build a more balanced team around Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. With Dejounte Murray already enhancing the backcourt, Okoro’s addition strengthens their perimeter defense, which has been a weakness.
While the Pelicans gain valuable pieces and future flexibility, the Cavaliers clearly come out on top in this trade due to the immediate and significant impact Brandon Ingram would have on their roster. Ingram’s ability to complement Mitchell and Garland while enhancing the Cavs’ playoff potential makes this a transformative move for Cleveland. For the Pelicans, the trade represents a strategic shift and long-term planning, but it lacks the immediate game-changing impact that the Cleveland Cavaliers would enjoy. Thus, the Cavaliers would be the main winners of this trade.
