Since trading Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans have failed to achieve a lengthy postseason run. This has been the case despite immediately landing the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, which resulted in the addition of Zion Williamson. The team could change the roster around Williamson this summer, hoping to change their fate.
Brandon Ingram is among the Pelicans’ possible trade candidates. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, New Orleans is “dangling” Ingram in trade talks. A framework involving Alperen Sengun in exchange for Ingram was declined. The Pelicans have also approached the Philadelphia 76ers regarding Ingram.
Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Houston’s reluctance to part with Sengun is understandable. The 21-year-old center has emerged as one of the league’s most promising young big men, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 53.7 percent from the field this past season. His potential for further development made the Rockets hesitant to trade him for Ingram.
Ingram has just one season left on his contract before potentially entering free agency. Injuries and early playoff exits have plagued the Pelicans’ current roster. At this point, the team could benefit from making changes and committing to a different direction, particularly with wing players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III in the fold.
Trading Ingram now would allow New Orleans to avoid losing him for nothing next offseason and provide an opportunity to reshape the team around Zion Williamson. With how reliant Ingram and Williamson both are at attacking downhill, there is naturally a question of their presence alongside each other being the right fit.
Philadelphia’s interest in Ingram is not surprising either. The 76ers are actively seeking a third star to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. This offseason, the team has been linked to several high-profile players, including Paul George, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, and Ingram, as it looks to build a championship contender.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
With Embiid already set to turn 31 next season and the 76ers eager to advance past the second round of the playoffs in over 20 years, it’d be logical to target a wing player like Ingram. At just 26 years old, Ingram would provide a balance between immediate scoring impact on the wing while fitting Maxey’s timeline.
The Pelicans appear ready to facilitate a trade if the 76ers are willing to meet their demands, potentially bringing Ingram to Philadelphia to bolster their roster.
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