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Ingram to Memphis trade is not a good move for the Grizzlies
By Hrvoje Vujanic,
1 days ago
Dating back from last season, there has been a significant buzz surrounding the All-Star wing with regards to his future in the Big Easy. As he remains eligible to sign a max extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, massive uncertainty exists around the team if they'll be willing to hand the 27-year-old a new lucrative deal he is seeking which is projected to reach over $207MM in total. As such, the chatter further intensified recently when it was reported that Ingram himself didn't attend the team's voluntary team mini-camp workout in California.
League circles and experts continue to keep an eye on what's going on around the shaky contract situation of Ingram and the Pels, hypothesizing potential trades that could serve as a resolution for both sides. And as the Memphis Grizzlies got brought up, a renowned league expert dismissed a potential transaction subjecting the franchise.
Lowe rejects Ingram trade for Memphis
In the latest episode of his The Lowe Post podcast, ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks discussed what could be the possible teams that may land Ingram from New Orleans. In the midst of admitting the absence of compelling trade teams for BI, Lowe revealed that there were some who proposed Memphis as an ideal place for the talent of the ex-Duke sensation.
Apr 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Smoothie King Center. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Nevertheless, Lowe immediately insisted based on his perspective that the Grizzlies are an unreasonable destination to cater the desire and play of Brandon.
“People mentioned Memphis is a theoretical fit [for Brandon Ingram]. But to me, I don't love it. And I don't think the Grizzlies love it, either,” the basketball analyst argued .
Not a good deal for Memphis
Lowe's notion couldn't be more agreeable. Going for Brandon Ingram and sacrificing most of the team's assets would be a bad move for the Grizzlies. Just based on the inconsistencies and the amount of max contract that the one-time All-Star is seeking, it should be a no-brainer for Memphis not to engage with the Pels in bringing Ingram to the Bluff City.
Another important factor that needs to be indicated about Ingram is his injury history. Since his rookie year in 2016-17, he hasn't played over 65 games in each of the next seven regular seasons. Adding him to this Memphis team that has some fair share of struggles in staying healthy as a group would only offer another negative and risky possibility.
The Grizzlies are already standing as a formidable team that is perhaps one final puzzle piece away that would complete their championship puzzle. And should Zach Kleiman pursue it once and for all in the near future, Ingram is certainly not that candidate to consider.
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