Hasty Trade Proposal: Pelicans Star to Spurs in 3-Way Blockbuster
With the NBA preseason just weeks away, most team rosters are nearly finalized, with limited changes expected. Teams will focus on ensuring they meet their roster needs as they prepare for the season. The revamped San Antonio Spurs roster looks surprisingly balanced, featuring a solid mix of veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, alongside young talents poised to excel, such as Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. However, despite their improvements, they aim to return to the postseason after a lengthy drought, and it will be competitive to secure a spot.
A compelling proposal by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggests the Spurs could make a significant late summer trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans. Such a deal could enhance their playoff prospects but would require them to part with several rotation players and a future asset. The crucial question remains: is it worth it to acquire a star talent?
Let’s delve into the details and assess if this move aligns with the Spurs’ long-term plans.
A new trade proposal brings Brandon Ingram to the Spurs in a 3-way blockbuster
Bleacher Reports’ deal would send Brandon Ingram and Dean Wade to the Spurs, Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and a protected future first via New Orleans to the Cavs. The Pelicans would in turn receive Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, a 2029 first from the Spurs, and Julian Champagnie. The eight-player deal would drastically alter the Spurs, Cavs, and Pelicans, but the Spurs in particular.
They would have to trade three rotation players for Ingram, who is the best player in the deal, as well as a first. The Cavs would add depth and a future first, and the Pelicans would get a much-needed starting center.
On the surface, it’s not a terrible deal, with each team possibly being able to talk themselves into the benefits of the trade. The Cavs and Pelicans might even agree to such a deal depending on where they are at come January 27, 2025, when this deal can legally happen.
The Spurs are the biggest wildcard, however. They could be well outside of playoff contention by then or battling for the play-in. Either way, it would be a drastic move for them to make midseason. Next, we’ll see if they actually would agree to the deal.
Would the Spurs Agree to the Deal?
The Spurs might find the deal tempting given Ingram’s current low value. However, acquiring a player as polarizing as Ingram carries certain risks. He has shown that he struggles to be a second option on a top-tier team, largely due to injury concerns and flaws in his play.
Ingram may be better suited as a third star, and the Spurs are still uncertain if Vassell can step into the second star role. Trading for Ingram, especially knowing he would require a contract of at least four years for around $ 140 million, could give the Spurs pause.
Even with Vassell on a cost-effective five-year deal and Wembanyama on his rookie contract for the next three seasons, they will eventually need to pay Jeremy Sochan somewhere around $ 20-25 million annually in a few years. Committing heavily to Ingram might not be sensible and could hinder their financial flexibility.
Instead, it may be wiser for the Spurs to wait and see if Vassell emerges as that second star. They can also evaluate how Castle develops and how the picks from the Hawks and Bulls turn out, which would be the more economical choice. Bringing Ingram on board could hinder the growth of their younger talent. Castle might miss out on essential playing time if he’s behind an all-star, potentially impacting future draft picks in 2025 or 2026.
Additionally, there’s the concern around trading Collins when the Spurs currently lack a healthy backup center, especially with Charles Bassey recovering from an ACL injury. If either Wemby or Ingram were to get hurt, it would severely compromise their depth without Johnson or Collins. Plus, having to part with a distant first-round pick in 2029 makes this deal less appealing for San Antonio.
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