Breaking News: Cavaliers receive a $158 million star in a proposed blockbuster trade.
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to decide if it makes sense to maintain their existing core lineup. It might be necessary for them to trade Darius Garland if they determine they need to raise their ceiling.
The following trade between the Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans was suggested by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report if they choose to put Garland up for sale.
Jordan Hawkins, Dyson Daniels, and Brandon Ingram go to the Cavaliers. Hughes gave an explanation of the Cavaliers’ reasoning for making such a personnel revamp.
Cleveland’s composition would be drastically altered by dealing Allen and Garland, severing its two big frontcourts and two little (but still too small) backcourts. The new lineup is significantly more balanced than the one we’ve seen the previous two years, and it may contain Daniels or Caris LeVert next to Mitchell, Ingram at forward, and Evan Mobley at the five position. Hughes spoke on why
Since he would typically be the lone large in lineups, that would put a lot of pressure on Mobley. But these extra duties were unavoidable because the Cavs’ potential is largely dependent on the 2021 No. 3 overall choice succeeding at center. Asking for more from Mobley in what will be his fourth season is not unrealistic.
Essentially, the Cavs may benefit from the move if it fits their squad better and helps them advance to the postseason. Despite not being among the best players in the league, Ingram has contributed to an All-Star squad.
Many things can alter throughout time. Whether or not the Cavaliers extend Donovan Mitchell could determine this. He and Garland have collaborated effectively enough for them to qualify for the postseason twice in a row. They haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals too often, and their success hasn’t even approached that of their time with LeBron James.
Additionally, it’s conceivable that the Cavaliers would only deal Garland for a superior player. Purchasing Ingram might be nothing more than a lateral move. Teams that are interested in him might only be willing to part up young players and draft picks in exchange for him. With the Cavaliers’ current circumstances, they might not want that.
The Cavaliers would need to keep in mind that Ingram’s contract is about to expire if they were to trade Garland for Ingram. He’ll be entering the final year of a $158 million, five-year contract.
The Cavaliers would place a strong emphasis on holding onto Ingram into 2025 if they were to trade both Garland and Allen in exchange for Ingram, who would be the key player returning.
Although Ingram has suffered with injuries and hasn’t had much success in the playoffs, he has demonstrated his talent. Since acquiring him in 2019, the Pelicans have advanced to the playoffs twice. They were ousted in the first round both times.
