Even in the midst of the NBA’s slow offseason, trade rumors continue to swirl, with the latest buzz surrounding New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram.
According to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, Ingram’s absence from a voluntary minicamp has sparked speculation about his future with the team. While the minicamp absence could be a minor issue, it might point to a larger disconnect between Ingram and the organization. If that’s the case, a trade could be on the horizon.
Bailey proposes an intriguing three-team deal involving the Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs. The deal would address major roster needs for all three franchises, while navigating tricky salary cap considerations. Here’s how the deal shakes out.
The Proposed Trade
Spurs Receive: Brandon Ingram and Dean Wade
Pelicans Receive: Jarrett Allen (cannot be traded till January 27, 2025), Caris LeVert, Julian Champagnie, and a top-five-protected 2029 first-round pick (from San Antonio)
Cavaliers Receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and a top-five-protected 2029 first-round pick (from New Orleans)
Here’s a breakdown of why this trade could benefit each team involved.
Spurs Add an All-Star to Accelerate Their Rebuild
For the Spurs, landing Brandon Ingram would immediately accelerate their rebuild and give them a player who can elevate their offense. Ingram, a 2020 NBA All-Star, has shown that he can score at all three levels, making him an excellent offensive weapon.
Pairing Ingram with Victor Wembanyama, one of the most promising rookies in recent memory, could form a formidable duo in San Antonio. Wembanyama’s unique ability to stretch the floor and play above the rim would create ample space for Ingram to operate in the mid-range, where he thrives.
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Ingram’s experience and scoring prowess would also complement a developing Spurs roster that includes young talents like Devin Vassell and Tre Jones. This trade would make San Antonio more competitive in the short term while maintaining flexibility for the future.
Dean Wade would also provide a solid, versatile backup forward capable of defending multiple positions and knocking down three-pointers, further strengthening the Spurs’ depth.
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The price of giving up Keldon Johnson and a future first-round pick is steep, but Ingram’s offensive capabilities and the chance to pair him with Wembanyama make this a compelling move for San Antonio.
Pelicans Get Their Center and Retool for the Future
The Pelicans’ main issue has been their lack of a reliable starting center, especially after the departure of Jonas Valančiūnas. Zion Williamson, who is naturally better suited for the power forward position, has had to play out of position, which has created matchup and rebounding concerns.
By acquiring Jarrett Allen, the Pelicans would gain one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. Allen’s rim protection, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding would fill a critical gap on the Pelicans’ roster, allowing Zion to return to his more natural role.
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Caris LeVert would also add some much-needed depth and scoring on the wing, as he’s a player capable of creating his own shot and providing instant offense off the bench. Julian Champagnie, a young forward with potential, would add another developing player to New Orleans’ rotation, while the top-five-protected 2029 first-round pick from San Antonio gives the Pelicans another asset to build for the future.
While losing a player of Ingram’s caliber is a blow, the Pelicans would receive a defensive anchor in Allen and additional assets that make this deal worthwhile. The move would help balance their roster and address key weaknesses, setting them up for a deeper playoff push.
Cavaliers Simplify Their Frontcourt and Add Versatility
The Cavaliers have one of the most talented frontcourts in the league, but the pairing of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley has created spacing concerns, particularly in the playoffs.
While the two have formed an elite defensive duo, the offense has struggled with both on the floor, especially in tight playoff scenarios. Trading Allen would allow Mobley to play his natural position at center, where he can fully unlock his offensive and defensive potential.
In return, the Cavaliers would gain Keldon Johnson, a young, athletic forward who can score from the perimeter and attack off the dribble. Johnson’s versatility on both ends of the floor would fit well alongside Cleveland’s star backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Additionally, Zach Collins would give the Cavaliers a backup center who can space the floor and shoot from deep, addressing the team’s need for a more modern big man who fits today’s NBA.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, a young forward with defensive upside, adds more depth and flexibility to the Cavs’ rotation, while the top-five-protected 2029 first-round pick from New Orleans provides another future asset. This trade would also open up minutes for younger players, such as Isaac Okoro or Craig Porter Jr., to step into larger roles.
In the end, Cleveland simplifies its frontcourt logjam, gains a more versatile lineup, and positions itself to improve its offense without sacrificing defense.
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