Despite being a good team currently, the Brooklyn Nets have struggled at times this year without the presence of Kyrie Irving. There is no doubt that they would be a better team if they were to have Kyrie Irving back or exchange him for another elite player via trade.
With that in mind, a possible way for the Nets to improve is to try and acquire forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans and send Kyrie Irving their way. Here is a possible framework for a trade package:
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Kyrie Irving, Cam Thomas
The Nets Get An Unstoppable Big 3
Brandon Ingram is a forward that needs no introduction. He is one of the best players on the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram is currently putting up averages of 23.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 4.7 APG. He would give the Brooklyn Nets the supplementary scoring that they need behind Kevin Durant.
Over the course of his career, Brandon Ingram has often been compared to Kevin Durant due to his shot creation ability and due to his physical attributes, such as his length and build. Both are forwards who can create their own shot and handle the ball well for their size.
James Harden is the de facto point guard of the Brooklyn Nets, and having Brandon Ingram would put less pressure on him to score during the regular season. He would also continue to be the main ballhandler for the team, and get Ingram and Durant easy opportunities with his playmaking.
If the Brooklyn Nets were able to acquire Brandon Ingram in exchange for Kyrie Irving and Cam Thomas, it would give them an unstoppable big 3, and fulfill their immediate goal of improving in order to compete for the championship.
The Pelicans Tank And Regroup Next Season
To preface this section, we must say that the only way that this happens is if Kyrie Irving agrees to sign a long-term deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. There is no logical reason for the New Orleans Pelicans to give up an All-Star that’s under contract for a player that may leave in free agency.
The New Orleans Pelicans are 3-14 currently, and while they could potentially make the play-in tournament, a good option would be to tank and try to get a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. Perhaps they could select Paolo Banchero or Chet Holmgren. Adding either of those prospects to a core featuring Kyrie Irving and Zion Williamson seems like a promising enough plan.
The Brooklyn Nets would be able to wait for Kyrie Irving to come while he sits out until next season. This scenario would also give Zion Williamson time to heal from his foot injury, and be fresh for next season where the team would compete.
Cam Thomas would be added to this deal as another young player that could come off the bench and provide some scoring. While he hasn’t had a huge role on the Brooklyn Nets, perhaps he could thrive on the Pelicans with a larger role.Â
It remains to be seen if this trade does happen, but it seems as though this scenario could work out for both teams. Most people would agree that Kyrie Irving is better than Brandon Ingram, and a duo of him and Williamson could wreak havoc on the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Nets would get a player that is still good and will be available this season for the championship push.
