The New Orleans Pelicans have been reinforced this summer after they acquired Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. The team has an extremely talented four-man unit with Murray, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram. However, Ingram’s future with the team remains cloudy as Marc Stein says trade talks around the forward have intensified in recent days after a lack of interest in a contract extension.
“Attempts in New Orleans to trade Brandon Ingram have intensified in recent days, league sources say. Sources tell The Stein Line that on Ingram’s side, with the reality that the contract extension terms his camp had hoped for are not forthcoming from the Pelicans, there has likewise been an exploration of trade options.”
Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season for the Pelicans, serving as one of the franchise’s featured offensive weapons. He’s established himself as one of the leaders on the team since joining in 2019 as part of the Anthony Davis trade return. Unfortunately, it seems the needs of the Pelicans don’t include him anymore as they look to trade him.
The Pelicans must be concerned about the functionality of their current lineups. Even with such talented players, it could hamstring their success as each player is an offensive creator without being a gifted playmaker.
It could cause the offense to feel disconnected, which explains why moving Ingram off to get a starting center while promoting Trey Murphy to the starting lineup as a corner-three specialist would be ideal for the Pelicans.
Sacramento Kings Heavily Pursuing Brandon Ingram
There hasn’t been a bevy of possible destinations for Ingram in the same way Lauri Markkanen’s possible availability has sparked. Ingram is making $36 million and is a free agent next season, which could be the reason teams are unwilling to deal with the kind of assets the Pelicans would want for Ingram.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly pursuing Ingram, with former Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry in the Kings front office and an admirer of Ingram’s game.
“Sources confirm Sacramento Kings are pursuing a trade for Brandon Ingram. I’m told Kings have had discussions with the Pelicans, and it’s worth noting, Ingram was an emerging star under coach Alvin Gentry, who works in Kings front office.”
What the Kings would send for Ingram won’t be impressive to the Pelicans, as they likely aren’t looking for players like Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes to join their squad. Their need right now is to get a center who can play alongside Zion Williamson in the frontcourt.
If center additions are what they need with a player like Ingram’s talent, they should try to snag either Bobby Portis Jr. or Brook Lopez from the Bucks. While Lopez is 37 years old, he is still a rim-protecter who can shoot the ball. Portis isn’t the same defender Lopez is but he is more explosive offensively.
Ingram would help the Bucks reinforce their starting lineup as well, but it’s likely both teams won’t see this as commensurate value for what they’re giving up.
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