The NBA offseason has brought a flurry of trade discussions, and one of the most intriguing proposals involves three teams: the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Portland Trail Blazers.
This complex deal, proposed by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, centers around sending Brandon Ingram to the Lakers, Anfernee Simons to the Pelicans, and D’Angelo Russell to the Blazers. The framework of this trade offers each team something valuable, whether it’s a boost in talent or additional assets for the future.
Breaking Down the Proposed Trade
In this potential blockbuster, the Lakers would receive Brandon Ingram, bolstering their roster with a young, versatile forward who has grown significantly since his first stint in Los Angeles. For the Pelicans, acquiring Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III provides both offensive firepower and defensive stability, addressing their immediate needs as they aim to contend in the Western Conference.
The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, would land Rui Hachimura, Jordan Hawkins, and D’Angelo Russell, along with a pair of 2025 second-round picks, giving them more flexibility to reshape their roster.
Lakers Reunite with Ingram: A New Big 3?
For the Lakers, bringing Ingram back would create a formidable trio alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ingram has evolved into a more polished scorer and defender since his time in New Orleans, making him a perfect fit for a Lakers team that needs to maximize its championship window with James nearing the end of his illustrious career.
The proposed trade would also free up roster spots and save the Lakers some cap space, potentially allowing them to sign a veteran free agent to further strengthen their lineup.
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Ingram’s return to Los Angeles could rekindle the chemistry he briefly shared with James during the 2018-19 season. His improved three-point shooting and defensive abilities make him a more complete player than when he first donned the purple and gold. With James potentially playing his final years in the NBA, the Lakers need all the help they can get, and Ingram might just be the piece that puts them over the top.
Pelicans Reshape Roster with Simons and Williams
For the Pelicans, this trade would mean saying goodbye to Ingram, but the return could be worth it. Simons, coming off the best season of his career, would provide a dynamic scoring option either as a starter or off the bench. Pairing Robert Williams III with Zion Williamson would give the Pelicans a defensive anchor, while Christian Wood adds depth and versatility to their frontcourt.
This move could position the Pelicans as one of the deepest and most balanced teams in the Western Conference.
Blazers Get Younger and More Flexible
The Trail Blazers, focused on rebuilding around their young core, would benefit from acquiring Hachimura and Hawkins. Both players offer potential and fit well with the Blazers’ timeline. Hachimura, who showed flashes of brilliance with the Lakers, could step into a larger role if the Blazers decide to trade Jerami Grant.
Hawkins, a promising young shooter, would add to Portland’s collection of rising talent. Additionally, the Blazers could look to flip Russell before the trade deadline, turning him into further assets as they continue their rebuild.
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This trade proposal, while hypothetical, presents a fascinating scenario for all three teams involved. Whether it materializes or not, it’s clear that the Lakers, Pelicans, and Blazers are all exploring ways to improve their rosters and set themselves up for success in the coming seasons.
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