Grade the Trade: Pelicans flip Brandon Ingram for All-Star and shooter in proposal

Should the Pelicans make this trade?

New Orleans needs a big man next to Zion Williamson to rebound and protect the rim. Jarrett Allen is a significant upgrade over Jonas Valanciunas on both ends of the floor. He is elite on the glass and has blocked over one shot per game in each of his first seven NBA seasons. Allen offers a bit more playmaking too.

Max Strus gives New Orleans another floor spacing wing to help things flow. He is a career 36.5 percent 3-point shooter and would certainly give Zion and their big man more room inside. Strus would have to compete with Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III for playing time, but teams can never have too much wing depth.

Grade: B+

New Orleans turns Brandon Ingram into two rotation pieces that could help them win. They need another shooter and a plus starting center. The Pelicans fill both holes and can build the remainder of their roster around Williamson. It would take time, but expect Allen and Strus to fit and make a significant impact in the Big Easy.

Losing an All-Star wing is never ideal. The New Orleans Pelicans just could not make it work with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram as their two best players. This is a win-win trade. Ingram can be a third option in Cleveland, and the Pels get two players that should help them win now. Do not be surprised to see this go down this offseason. New Orleans must do something, so please stay tuned.