One NBA expert thinks the Cleveland Cavaliers trading Jarrett Allen to the New Orleans Pelicans for Brandon Ingram “makes plenty of sense.”

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes Ingram on the Cavaliers is something to watch on. 

“The Ingram-for-Allen swap, on the other hand, makes plenty of sense,” Bailey composed. “Set aside Ingram’s next agreement for a minute (something Cleveland doesn’t truly have the high-end of doing, however stick to me). As far as short-term fit goes, that relocation would bump Mobley to his more natural position at the 5. It’d expand slashing lanes for Mitchell, Garland and Ingram. And presuming the front workplace and training personnel had the ability to efficiently interact with Ingram, this circumstance would offer Ingram a function preferable for Ingram’s ability and skill level.

“He would undoubtedly be behind Mitchell in the scoring hierarchy. Given Garland’s age and developmental curve, Ingram might even oscillate between being the third and fourth option (depending on how well Mobley plays on a given night). If Ingram is your best or second best player, you probably aren’t getting much farther than the Pelicans have in recent years. If he’s your third or fourth best player, you darn well might be a contender.”

The Cavaliers can trade Allen after January 31, 2025. The center signed a three-year, $90 million extension with Cleveland this offseason. 

One of the leading scorers in the NBA, Ingram balanced 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 helps, 0.8 takes and 0.6 blocks for the Pelicans last season while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line. The forward will make $36 million next season in the last year of his agreement. 

A Duke item, Ingram has profession averages of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 helps, 0.7 takes and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Pelicans. He won the 2019-20 Most Improved Player of the Year Award. 

Allen balanced 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 helps, 0.7 takes and 1.1 blocks in 2023-24 for the Cavaliers while shooting 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $20 million next season. 

A one-time All-Star, Allen has profession averages of 12.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 helps, 0.6 takes and 1.3 blocks with the Brooklyn Nets and Cavaliers.