Cavs
I have been vocal in the past about my overall distain for Cleveland's roster construction. They have basically two double-ups in their top 4. I think that now, in year 3, with everyone set to make bank, they may look to blow it up if things aren't progressing well at the deadline. Say the Cavs are in 7th-9th in January, with some elite teams above them, I can see them sticking with Spida and Mobley, and shipping off Garland and Allen. Ingram would be a different look for them and depending on how his off-ball game develops this year, could prove to be their missing piece. Cavs also get off LeVert's money and get a younger version of him in Jordan Hawkins who is looking really good so far this year.
Whatever the case, I think that change needs to come to Cleveland before Mitchell inevitably asks out.
Lineup
Doesn't include a Darius Garland trade which should also happen in this scenario. Maybe for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and a pick or two?
PG: Darius Garland / Craig Porter Jr
SG: Donovan Mitchell / Jordan Hawkins
SF: Max Strus / Isaac Okoro
PF: Brandon Ingram / Dean Wade / Georges Niang
C: Evan Mobley / Daniel Theis / Tristan Thompson
Pelicans
The Pels pick up a big man who they have been eyeing for over a year now. Allen is an elite defensive player, who has developed into a decent-to-good player on the other side of the ball. Has some really underrated playmaking ability which can be deadly with Zion nearby. Overall, Allen is an amazing fit for New Orleans if he becomes available. Losing Hawkins hurts but need to do it for Cleveland to get enough value. LeVert can be a decent 7th man this year and is on an expiring so he is a solid replacement.
The departure of BI lets Herb and TM3 become the two wings and still allows for an effective small ball lineup in spurts.
Lineup:
PG: Dejounte Murray / Jose Alvarado / Antonio Reeves
SG: CJ McCollum / Caris LeVert
SF: Herb Jones / Javonte Green / Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
PF: Zion Williamson / Trey Murphy III (6M) / Trey Jemison
C: Jarrett Allen / Karlo Matkovic / Yves Missi
Background
(Same as post #1)
I don't see the Pelicans doing very well this year with the current roster. To me there are two glaring holes:
With no even average centers on the team, the small ball lineup of Zion/Herb/Whoever at the 5 will be getting a lot of run. I do not have faith in this lineup consistently winning its minutes. Especially in a division with Wemby, Edey, & Sengun, and a conference with Jokic, AD, Sabonis, Chet, etc. This team needs a traditional center to play at least half the game or so.
The Dejounte Murray pickup - as much as I hated the idea of it months ago - is something that I've warmed up to. I can see DJM being a key part of the Herb/TM3/Zion core. Unfortunately, Brandon Ingram just does not fit with those four, and in fact actively is a detriment to their development. He and Murray have overlapping play styles, he limits spacing for Zion, and takes minutes away from Herb & TM3.
Each of the six trades which I'll post until opening night will try and address both of these problems. They will start from worst to best. This is #3 of 6.
To be clear: these are all mid-season trades. If the team is doing well as is in 2-3 months, there is no need to change anything.