Nobody said that building an NBA team was easy. You need enough talent to compete. Ideally, those players can also co-exist together.
That means putting together a roster that fits. Each player’s strengths and weaknesses ought to balance each other out. Putting that type of team together is difficult – just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs have a lot of talent. Still, the fit between Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley is questionable. For that matter, so is the fit between two small guards like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Could they start fixing their problems by flipping Garland for Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Darius Garland
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Brandon Ingram
An NBA team needs talent. They need a roster that fits together. They also need luck. Realistically, luck plays as big of a role in an NBA team’s success as any factor.
Players get injured. Nobody can help that. When they do, it can knock a team’s entire plan off course. An injured superstar can destroy a team’s season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
We’ve seen it happen to the Pelicans before. Zion Williamson is among the most injury prone players in the NBA. Recently, it’s been suggested that the Pelicans could choose between him and Ingram this summer. Should they stick with the injury-prone Williamson?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
It’s not an easy question to answer. Williamson has a higher ceiling than Ingram, but he’s injury-prone. For argument’s sake, let’s assume that the Pelicans stick with Williamson.
Who should they pair him with? Ingram is a fellow forward. He’s a reliable shooter, but he prefers to operate in the midrange or at the rim. That’s where Williamson operates. Pairing him with a floor general who spaces the floor could bring the most out of him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
So, Garland would be perfect. If Williamson could stay healthy next year, this deal would give the Pelicans a better roster balance. What does it do for the Cavaliers?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The same thing – it balances their roster. Granted, this deal doesn’t solve everything for the Cavs. They’ll still have to deal with a frontcourt that doesn’t seem to make sense in Allen and Mobley.
Let’s assume that they also move Allen. Perhaps they seek a (lesser) replacement for Garland. If they could find a reliable option at point guard, a core group of Mobley, Mitchell, and Ingram ought to make the Cavs competitive with anyone.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
After all, Ingram is a do-it-all forward who scores from all three levels. His defense and connective passing have made strides as well. If the Cavs make this deal, they’ll be as well built as anybody – and just as talented too.
