‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels And Jordan Hawkins To Cavaliers, Darius Garland And Jarrett Allen To Pelicans

One NBA analyst proposed that the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans make a “blockbuster” trade this offseason. 

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Cavaliers and Pelicans:

The Trade: The Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins from the New Orleans Pelicans for Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers are interested in acquiring Ingram, while the Pelicans are interested in acquiring Garland and Allen, sources told Hoops Wire.

If Donovan Mitchell signs an extension with Cleveland this offseason, Garland could request a trade. 

“Jonas Valančiūnas is a free agent, and New Orleans can’t replace him with an upgrade because of cap constraints,” Hughes wrote in his NBA trade column. “Trading for Allen is the cleanest way to shore up the center spot. Yes, CJ McCollum likely would have to be routed elsewhere because his fit with Garland would be clunky. But the Pelicans would happily work that deal out if they knew Garland was inbound. It’s hard not to get excited about the potential of Garland, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson and Allen taking the floor together.

“Dealing Allen and Garland would fundamentally change Cleveland’s makeup, breaking up its two-big frontcourt and two-small (also too small) backcourt. The reshaped result, which could include Daniels or Caris LeVert next to Mitchell, Ingram slotting in at forward and Evan Mobley manning the 5, is far more balanced than the team we’ve seen over the last two years. That would put a lot on Mobley’s plate, as he’d be the lone big in most lineups. But because so much of the Cavs’ ceiling depends on the 2021 No. 3 overall pick thriving at center, these added responsibilities were inevitable. It’s not unreasonable to ask more of Mobley in what’ll be his fourth season.

“Both (NBA) squads would address their needs and reshape their identities without blowing the whole thing up. If there’s such a thing as a low-risk blockbuster, this is it.”

Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists for the Cavaliers this season while shooting 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $36.7 million next season.

Allen, who has two years and $40 million left on his contract, averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 blocks this season while shooting 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line.  

Ingram has one year left on his contract. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks this season while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line. Ingram will make $36 million next season.