Analyzing the potential Darius Garland draft trade between the Cavaliers and Spurs
According to an NBA insider who spoke with Hoops Wire, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not interested in sending Jarrett Allen or Darius Garland to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Brandon Ingram.
The source stated that the Cavaliers have no intention of trading either Garland or Allen unless they make a trade request.
During the season, Garland shot 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from outside the arc, and 83.4% from the free-throw line, averaging 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Next season, he will earn $36.7 million.
With two years and forty million dollars left on his contract, Allen shot 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line this season, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
The Cavaliers intend to keep developing their lineup around Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, Garland, and Allen.
While Mobley is projected to earn a lucrative rookie-scale agreement with Cleveland, Mitchell is anticipated to sign a max contract extension this offseason.
In five games, the Boston Celtics defeated the Cavaliers in the 2024 postseason’s second round. Allen missed the entire series, while Mitchell missed Games 4 and 5.
There is one year remaining on Ingram’s contract. This offseason, he might be eligible for a $208 million, four-year extension.
A former All-Star, Ingram shot 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc, and 80.1% from the free-throw line while averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game for the Pelicans this season.
In the opening round of the playoffs this year, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Pelicans handily.
NBA source Marc Stein said that the Pelicans are anticipated to aggressively pursue Ingram in the trade market during this offseason. Since 2018, New Orleans has not prevailed in a postseason series.
Ingram was acquired by the Pelicans from the Los Angeles Lakers in the highly anticipated Anthony Davis trade. When Ingram is in the lineup, New Orleans is merely 144-143.
NBA analyst Michael Scotto of HoopsHype claims that the Cavaliers are not “enthralled” with the prospect of dealing.
There has been discussion about whether Cleveland might be interested in Brandon Ingram, but after speaking with league insiders, it seems that Cleveland isn’t too keen on the thought of acquiring him and then having to shell out a lot of cash for him following his contract season, according to Scotto. “If New Orleans were to part with Ingram, I’m quite sure they would value Darius Garland, but based on the information I have, I’m not sure that would be a fit (for Cleveland).”