3 blockbuster trades involving star NBA players: Brandon Ingram trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavaliers receive: Brandon Ingram, Tomas Satoransky
Pelicans receive: Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, 2023 First-Round Pick (via CLE), 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected via CLE))
Thunder receive: Kevin Love, 2027 First-Round Pick (via CLE)
This trade is by far the most extravagant of the bunch, but the logic behind it makes sense. Brandon Ingram could be the perfect fit with Cleveland’s young core.
The Cavaliers have looked great so far this season, and while it’s too early to know if they’ll make the playoffs or not, their young core looks great. If they truly believe this is the young core they want to rock with, upgrading the wing position will be key.
The drama surrounding Collin Sexton has been going on for a while, so trading him wouldn’t come as a surprise. However, getting a pure scorer, like Ingram, in return could help them with some of their offensive issues.
For the Pelicans, this trade would be their way of shaking things up. They look absolutely horrendous this season, and maybe having Sexton around for the future could mesh better with Zion Williamson.
Lauri Markkanen would be a solid stretch four to take a chance on, too, as they attempt to open up the floor for Williamson. Sexton would act as the safety valve on offense, as well as a playmaker for Williamson.
The Thunder are only involved in this trade to take on the salary of Kevin Love. They would get a future first-round pick for their troubles.
This may feel as though the Cavs are jumping the gun a bit, but with how this team has played, adding a young All-Star in Ingram could help them take that next step. A lineup of Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Ingram, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen would be nasty.
With how poorly the Pelicans are playing, a shake-up could be just what they need. This trade would be risky for everyone involved, but it might just be worth the risk.