Typically, the best teams in the NBA are veteran teams. Experience is an asset. Veterans have been around the league long enough to have learned how to win. Still, there’s extra appeal in being a young, competitive team.
Just look at a team like the New Orleans Pelicans. They’re young. Yet, when healthy, this team is capable of beating anyone.
The same holds true for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yet, both of these teams were a little underwhelming in 2022-23. Could they make a blockbuster deal to help each other out?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F/C Larry Nance Jr., G/F Dyson Daniels, F Trey Murphy III, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Darius Garland
These two teams may have a lot of similarities. On the other hand, they were held back by different factors last season. The Pelicans simply couldn’t get healthy. Unfortunately, that’s been a struggle for Zion Williamson throughout his career. Last year, Brandon Ingram joined him on the team’s injury list.
By contrast, the Cavaliers enjoyed relative health. They had issues with roster construction. This team has a lot of talent – do the pieces complement one another?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Darius Garland, New Orleans Pelicans & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
It’s hard to say. In the playoffs, it appeared as if Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley may not be an optimal duo. Meanwhile, Garland and Donovan Mitchell combine to make an awfully small backcourt. Should they really trade Garland?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
One thing is clear: the Cavaliers wouldn’t be doing this deal for Valaciunas. We just said that they struggled with two starting-caliber bigs. Why would they add a third? To match contracts. That’s the only reason for Valanciunas’s inclusion here. The Cavaliers are making this deal for everything else theyre receiving.
Perhaps most significantly, they’re adding Murphy III. This team needed a wing last season. Murphy III has developed into one of the best young 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Darius Garland, New Orleans Pelicans & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
A reunion with Nance Jr. makes sense as well. This is a versatile combo big who can guard multiple positions. Throw in an intriguing young player like Daniels and a pair of first-round picks, and this should be enough to entice Cleveland to move off of Garland. Should the Pelicans offer so much for him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Cavs may not be doing this deal for Valanciunas. With that said the Pelicans may not mind moving him. It’s been rumored that they’d prefer to find a more mobile big man to start over him.
With that said, this deal doesn’t have them replacing him. In a sense, this is a step backward to take two steps forward for the Pelicans. After all, CJ McCollum is far off of Williamson and Ingram’s timeline. He’ll eventually need to be replaced. Why not replace him now?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Darius Garland, New Orleans Pelicans & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
For that matter, why not replace him with Garland? This is an elite young playmaker who fits this team perfectly. Garland can space the floor for the Pelicans’ two star forwards, and make plays for the team when it’s his turn as well. That could make the Pelicans more competitive – and best of all, they’d still be young.
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