According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not “enthralled” with the idea of trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram.
“There’s been some chatter about whether Cleveland would have interest in Brandon Ingram, but I’ve gotten the sense from talking to league sources that Cleveland isn’t enthralled with the idea of trading for him and then having to pay him a ton of money after his contract season,” Scotto reported. “I’m quite confident that New Orleans looks at Darius Garland and values him if they were going to part with Ingram, but I’m not sure that would be a fit (for Cleveland) based on the intel I have.”
Ingram has one year left on his contract. He is eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension this offseason.
A one-time All-Star, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Pelicans this season while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line.
The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Pelicans in the first round of this year’s playoffs.
Ingram has career averages of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Pelicans. He won the 2019-20 Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Pelicans are expected to explore the trade market for Ingram this offseason aggressively. New Orleans hasn’t won a playoff series since 2018.
The Pelicans acquired Ingram from the Lakers in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. New Orleans is 144-143 with Ingram in the lineup.
The Cavaliers want to build around Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Mitchell is expected to sign a max contract extension with Cleveland this offseason.
The Boston Celtics beat the Cavaliers in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. Mitchell missed Games 4 and 5, while Allen missed the entire series.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
