Three-Team Trade Proposal Sends Ingram to Cavs, Hawks Gets Spacing, Pelicans Land Jarrett Allen……
In a move that could reshape the landscape of the NBA, a blockbuster three-team trade proposal is reportedly in the works, involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Atlanta Hawks. The trade would send All-Star forward Brandon Ingram to the Cavaliers, bolster the Hawks’ perimeter shooting, and bring defensive stalwart Jarrett Allen to the Pelicans. This proposed deal, if finalized, has the potential to significantly impact the balance of power in the Eastern and Western Conferences, as well as address key needs for all three teams involved.
The Proposed Trade Breakdown
The proposed trade, which has been circulating among league insiders, would see the following players and assets moving between the three teams:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Receive Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Receive Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers and additional assets (potentially draft picks or role players) from the Atlanta Hawks.
- Atlanta Hawks: Receive perimeter shooting help, likely in the form of a 3-and-D player or a sharpshooter from either the Pelicans or Cavaliers, along with potential salary filler to make the trade work under the cap.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Adding a Star in Brandon Ingram
For the Cavaliers, acquiring Brandon Ingram would be a major coup. Ingram, a versatile forward with elite scoring ability, would instantly elevate the Cavs’ offense. Coming off a season where he averaged over 20 points per game, Ingram has developed into one of the league’s most dangerous offensive threats, capable of scoring from all three levels. His ability to create his own shot, coupled with his length and athleticism, makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
Pairing Ingram with rising star Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell would give the Cavaliers one of the most potent offensive trios in the NBA. Ingram’s arrival would also provide Cleveland with a player who can take over games in clutch moments, something the team has been searching for as they look to build on their recent success and become a true contender in the Eastern Conference.
However, acquiring Ingram would come at a cost. The Cavs would have to part ways with Jarrett Allen, one of the league’s premier rim protectors and a key piece of their defensive identity. Allen’s departure would leave a significant void in the middle, but the Cavaliers are likely betting that the offensive boost Ingram provides, along with the potential to play Evan Mobley at center more frequently, will outweigh the loss on the defensive end.
New Orleans Pelicans: Building a Defensive Juggernaut with Jarrett Allen
The Pelicans, on the other hand, would be addressing a critical need by acquiring Jarrett Allen. While Brandon Ingram has been a cornerstone of the Pelicans’ offense, the team has struggled to find consistency on the defensive end. Allen, known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and overall defensive presence, would immediately anchor the Pelicans’ defense and provide a strong interior presence that has been lacking.
Pairing Allen with Zion Williamson, assuming he remains healthy, would give the Pelicans a formidable frontcourt duo. Williamson’s explosive athleticism and scoring ability, combined with Allen’s defensive prowess, could make the Pelicans a tough matchup for any team. Allen’s ability to protect the rim and defend pick-and-roll situations would also allow the Pelicans to be more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing they have a reliable shot-blocker behind them.
The move would signal a shift in the Pelicans’ strategy, focusing more on defense and potentially freeing up more offensive opportunities for other players on the roster, such as CJ McCollum. However, the loss of Ingram’s scoring and playmaking would require others to step up, and the Pelicans would likely need to rely more on a balanced offensive attack rather than a single go-to scorer.
Atlanta Hawks: Addressing a Need for Spacing
For the Atlanta Hawks, this trade would be all about improving their spacing and perimeter shooting, an area that has been a point of concern for the team. The Hawks have a dynamic backcourt in Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, but their offensive effectiveness has been hindered at times by a lack of reliable three-point shooters to stretch the floor and create driving lanes.
In this proposed deal, the Hawks would likely receive a sharpshooter or a 3-and-D player who can help space the floor. This addition would alleviate some of the offensive pressure on Young and Murray, allowing them to operate with more freedom and efficiency. A player like Kevin Huerter, who the Hawks traded away to the Kings in the previous offseason, might be the type of player they are looking to replace—someone who can consistently knock down open shots and provide solid defense on the other end.
The Hawks would also be sending out some combination of assets to facilitate the deal, which could include draft picks or other players. While the exact details of the assets going to New Orleans are unclear, the Hawks would be banking on the idea that improving their shooting and spacing will help them take the next step as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Potential Impact on the NBA Landscape
If this trade were to be completed, it would have far-reaching implications across the NBA. The Cavaliers would emerge as a legitimate contender in the East, with a dynamic offensive lineup capable of competing with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. Ingram’s presence would make Cleveland a much more versatile and dangerous team, potentially propelling them into the upper echelon of the conference.
The Pelicans, by acquiring Jarrett Allen, would be making a statement that they are serious about contending in the Western Conference. With a defense anchored by Allen and a healthy Zion Williamson leading the charge on offense, the Pelicans could become one of the toughest teams to score against, giving them a chance to compete with the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.
For the Hawks, the trade would address a key weakness and help them maximize the talents of their star backcourt. Improved spacing would not only make the Hawks’ offense more potent but also help them compete in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race, where every advantage counts.
Final Thoughts
While this trade is still in the proposal stage, the potential benefits for all three teams involved make it an intriguing possibility. The Cavaliers would add a star in Ingram, the Pelicans would solidify their defense with Allen, and the Hawks would get the shooting they desperately need. As discussions continue, the NBA world will be watching closely to see if this blockbuster deal comes to fruition, as it could be a game-changer for the 2023-2024 NBA season and beyond.
