Pelicans’ Playoff Exit Sparks Trade Rumors Around Brandon Ingram
The pre-draft buzz has resulted in NBA insider Marc Stein revealing a significant trade in the market, with the New Orleans Pelicans sending forward Brandon Ingram. Evidence of this indicates that the teams are getting ready for the upcoming season by exploring trade possibilities for Ingram.
Currently, all team executives, scouts, and agents are convening in Chicago with the spotlight on the Pelicans. Stein suggests that there is a rising level of interest from teams in acquiring Ingram due to concerns about his fit with the Pelicans’ lineup and teammates CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson.
Several teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Orlando Magic, are potential landing spots for Ingram.
Ingram had a slight decrease in productivity during the 2023-24 season, ultimately resulting in a first-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His performance in the fourth game of Season 4 did not meet expectations, potentially impacting the Pelicans’ leverage in trade discussions.
Brandon Ingram is expected to be the Pelican most likely to be traded this offseason, per @MikeAScotto
“Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is considered the most likely player to be traded by rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype. Those executives believe the fit with Ingram… pic.twitter.com/Kxbb1AdhvS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 10, 2024
In addition to the performance issues, the contractual situation of Ingram also complicates the trade discussions. Once his five-year contract is over, interested buyers will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of acquiring him, considering his upcoming unrestricted free agency in 2025.
The Pelicans trading Brandon Ingram is considered inevitable, per @TheSteinLine
“League sources say that Ingram’s exit is increasingly viewed by various league observers as an inevitability rather than possibility…A handful of Eastern Conference teams (Philadelphia, Cleveland,… pic.twitter.com/GhdABfcIiT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 13, 2024
The Pelicans aim to make Zion Williamson their team captain by surrounding him with complementary players, to become championship contenders in the NBA. The New Orleans Pelicans are exploring trade options involving Brandon Ingram as a means to enhance their roster.