The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crucial turning point this offseason. After adding Dejounte Murray to the mix, they’ve signaled that they’re not content with just being a middle-of-the-pack team—they want to seriously compete. But Murray’s arrival also stirs up questions about Brandon Ingram’s future in New Orleans. Ingram, who’s heading into the final year of his contract, has skipped voluntary workouts, and the front office hasn’t shown much urgency in offering him a max extension.
There’s growing buzz that they might be looking to shake things up, and trading Ingram could be part of the plan. While he’s been a key player for them, the Pelicans have struggled to make a deep playoff run, and moving him could bring in the pieces they need to finally break through. With a core of Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and now Murray, a trade could give the Pelicans the flexibility to build a more balanced and dangerous squad heading into the season.
Mock Trade Details
Pelicans receive: Nikola Vucevic, Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, 2027 First-Round Pick
Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram
Bulls receive: Norman Powell, Yves Missi, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
In this updated mock trade, the Pelicans send Brandon Ingram to the Clippers, who are looking to retool after losing Paul George to the 76ers in the offseason. The Pelicans receive Nikola Vucevic, Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, and a 2027 first-round pick, boosting their frontcourt with Vucevic’s experience and adding depth with Mann and Hyland, while securing a valuable future pick.
The Clippers, now focused on pairing Kawhi Leonard with another elite scorer, bring in Ingram to fill the void left by George. His versatility and scoring ability could complement Leonard well, giving them a solid foundation. Meanwhile, the Bulls take Norman Powell for his defensive presence and scoring, along with young prospect Yves Missi and a 2025 first-round pick from Milwaukee, giving them the flexibility to rebuild or retool. This trade benefits all three teams as they each adjust for the next phase of their development.
The Perfect Center For The Pelicans Contention
The Pelicans are looking to make a big leap, but with Jonas Valanciunas gone, they need a new starting center who can fit their system perfectly. That’s where Nikola Vucevic comes in. After averaging 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season, he could fill that void while bringing the versatility the Pelicans desperately need.
Vucevic can spread the floor thanks to his ability to hit threes, which would help Zion Williamson dominate in the paint. With Vucevic drawing defenders to the perimeter, Zion would face fewer double-teams, creating more room for his explosive drives and post-ups. This dynamic would make the Pelicans’ offense much harder to defend.
On top of that, Vucevic’s strong rebounding skills would help shore up New Orleans’ interior presence. The Pelicans struggled at times last season on the boards, and Vucevic’s near eight defensive rebounds per game would give them a significant boost in this area. His ability to clean the glass, combined with Zion’s athleticism, could create a powerful rebounding duo.
Defensively, while Vucevic isn’t a rim protector like some elite big men, he’s smart enough to provide solid post defense. He’s not going to block a ton of shots, but his positioning and experience make him a reliable anchor. For a team like the Pelicans, having a steady presence like Vucevic on defense, especially alongside a player like Herb Jones, would elevate their interior defense.
The Bulls are in a big transition after letting go of Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, and Vucevic’s contract could be something they look to move for future assets. This opens the door for New Orleans to swoop in and land a big piece without sacrificing their core. With a lineup featuring Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy, Zion, and Vucevic, the Pelicans would have a balanced mix of inside scoring, perimeter shooting, and veteran leadership.
If the Pelicans can pull off this move, it might be the key to unlocking their full potential as a serious contender in the Western Conference. They need that one final piece, and Vucevic’s skill set could be exactly what they’re looking for. In addition, the Pelicans would also bolster their bench unit with Mann and Hyland coming from the Clippers, as two backcourt pieces that should provide both scoring and versatility, making sure the team is as deep as any other contender.
The Clippers Could Still Be A Top Contender
The Los Angeles Clippers are rolling into the 2024-25 season with some big changes after losing Paul George to the 76ers. With George out, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are the key guys now. Kawhi signed a three-year extension in January, but we all know his health can be shaky. Harden’s deal is shorter, just two years for $70 million, but he’s locked in for now.
In this proposed scenario, the Clippers would trade for Brandon Ingram, who’s in the last year of his contract and wants a big four-year, $210 million extension per reports. If the Clippers can make the deal, they’ll need to act fast and secure him long-term. Adding Ingram to a lineup with Kawhi and Harden would give them the firepower they need to stay in contention.
Brandon Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season. He could be the perfect fit alongside Kawhi and Harden, taking pressure off them with his scoring and playmaking. Kawhi’s health is always a question mark, and Harden is more of a facilitator these days, so adding a guy like Ingram would give them another go-to option. Plus, Ingram is younger and could be their future after Kawhi and Harden slow down.
This offseason has been wild for the Clippers with minor deals in free agency, but pulling off a move for Ingram would put them right back in the mix. Even though George was a strong two-way player, Ingram’s offensive skills would make up for it. And if they extend him, the Clippers could be set for years.
With Ingram, Kawhi, and Harden leading the charge, the Clippers would have the star power to compete for a title. It’s not just about filling George’s shoes; it’s about building a team that can go all the way.
The Bulls Keep Getting Great Assets
The Chicago Bulls could be in for a shake-up with this mock trade, where they receive Norman Powell, Yves Missi, and a 2025 First-Round Pick from the Bucks. After already losing key pieces like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso this offseason, the Bulls are looking to continue adding younger talent and future draft assets to their roster, making a deal like this very appealing.
Trading DeRozan to the Kings and Caruso to the Thunder was part of their push to build for the future. In this scenario, Powell gives them a solid scorer and experienced wing who can contribute immediately, while Missi, a promising young prospect, gives them someone to develop after Vucevic’s departure in the center spot. Adding the 2025 first-round pick adds even more long-term value as they keep building for the future.
For a team already looking ahead after a mediocre season, the Bulls are in asset-gathering mode. They’ve brought in Josh Giddey, Chris Duarte, and drafted Matas Buzelis, aiming to build a youthful core for the next few years. Adding a first-round pick gives them flexibility for future moves or another potential star down the line.
Powell’s scoring could help fill the gap left by DeRozan, while Missi’s potential as a young big man gives them more versatility in their lineup. The Bulls have been missing that reliable second star next to Zach LaVine, and while Powell isn’t a superstar, he’s a proven scorer who can handle pressure, averaging 13.9 points in 26.2 minutes last year. Missi, the Pelicans 2024 draftee, adds depth in the frontcourt, and his development could turn him into a key player for them in the coming seasons.
With LaVine’s future still uncertain due to his injuries and contract situation, the Bulls are likely to focus on building around their younger players like Giddey, White, Buzelis, and Williams. The additional draft capital from this trade could put them in a position to make a big move in the future, or they could use it to further develop through the draft. In any case, this deal helps set up Chicago for the long haul.
This trade scenario reflects how the Bulls are embracing their rebuild and looking to gather as many assets as possible. The addition of Powell, Missi, and a first-round pick fits perfectly with their current strategy of building a youthful, competitive team while staying flexible for future moves.
