The New Orleans Pelicans cannot run it back. They haven’t won a playoff series since 2018 and stand little chance of contending in the crowded Western Conference. David Griffin vowed to make changes (subscription required) this offseason. There is no shortage of players the Pelicans could trade, but how can they upgrade their roster?
New Orleans must choose a building block and put a better-fitting roster around them. Zion Williamson is the obvious answer, which is why Brandon Ingram is most likely to be traded. The Pelicans need two stars that mesh well and can lead them on a deep playoff run. Zion and BI have done nothing to prove they are capable.
Ingram is entering the final year of his contract, and the Pelicans do not want to sign him to a max contract. Ingram’s defensive issues and injury history are worries, but New Orleans will still get a strong return. They do not want to take a step backward, so expect the Pels' focus to be on adding talent to help them win immediately.
Pelicans expected to shop Brandon Ingram this offseason
New Orleans expects to part with starting center Jonas Valanciunas this summer. They must fill that void and will look to add shooting after finishing 18th in 3-pointers made. Zion is their star, but the Pelicans could use a true point guard too.
The Pelicans may try to trade Brandon Ingram for multiple players to round out their talented roster. The All-Star wing is an elite scorer and strong playmaker. Several franchises are rumored to have interest, but who can win the bidding war?
ESPN’s Bobby Marks shared trades he wants to see (subscription required), and one features Brandon Ingram being dealt to the Cavaliers in an All-Star swap. What does the deal look like, and should New Orleans make it happen? Here is a closer look.
Laying out a Brandon Ingram to the Cavaliers trade proposal
The Pelicans and Cavaliers are arguably the two teams dominating the trade rumors. New Orleans wants to shake things up and now is the time to trade BI. In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell is extension-eligible, and declining a new contract likely puts him on the market. Even if Mitchell stays, the Cavs need to alter their roster.
Winning with two undersized guards and two non-shooting big men feels impossible in 2024. If Cleveland just wants to make the playoffs and never contend for a title, it may work, but the Cavaliers and Mitchell want more. The Cavs should choose one undersized guard and one big man, which likely puts Jarrett Allen on the trade block.
Could the Pelicans land an All-Star center for Brandon Ingram? Marks wants to see this trade happen this summer.
Receiving no draft capital may be surprising, but this gives both teams a better chance at serious contention. Cleveland gets a needed wing and someone to bail out their offense in difficult moments. The Pels snag an elite defensive anchor and a plus shooter to improve their roster.
Cleveland would love to add an All-Star wing capable of scoring 20 every night, but should the Pelicans agree to it?
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.