An NBA analyst believes that a trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans, involving Jarrett Allen and Brandon Ingram, “makes plenty of sense.”
Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report suggests that adding Ingram to the Cavaliers is worth considering. He wrote, “The Ingram-for-Allen swap makes plenty of sense. Putting Ingram’s next contract aside, this move would push Mobley to his natural position at center, opening up slashing lanes for Mitchell, Garland, and Ingram. Assuming clear communication with Ingram, he could fit into a role that matches his talent and skill.”
Bailey continues by highlighting that Ingram would likely be the third or fourth scoring option behind Mitchell and Garland. “If Ingram is your best or second-best player, you might not advance much further than the Pelicans have. But if he’s your third or fourth option, you could become a serious contender.”
Cleveland can trade Allen after January 31, 2025, as the center recently signed a three-year, $90 million extension. Ingram, one of the NBA’s top scorers, averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season while shooting 49.2% from the field. He’s set to earn $36 million next season in the final year of his contract.
Ingram, a Duke product, has career averages of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, and he won the 2019-20 Most Improved Player Award. Allen, a one-time All-Star, averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds for the Cavaliers in 2023-24 while shooting 63.4% from the field. He’s due to make $20 million next season.
Trading Allen for Ingram could provide the Cavaliers with a boost, while Mobley’s transition to center might improve Cleveland’s overall dynamics.
