- This trade scenario has Brandon Ingram landing with the Dallas Mavericks
- Brandon Ingram could be a difference-maker for the franchise
- The New Orleans Pelicans get a solid trade package
The Dallas Mavericks are a team that is looking to compete this season, as they have retained Kyrie Irving and managed to put other veterans around Luka Doncic. However, most people would agree that they are still a step behind other elite teams in the Western Conference, such as the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, a trade could perhaps make the Dallas Mavericks one of the top-tier teams in the Western Conference, maybe even the favorites. One potential trade target for them could be wing Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans. Here is a potential trade framework.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Christian Wood (Sign-And-Trade), Dereck Lively II, Olivier Maxence-Prosper, Richaun Holmes, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
There is no doubt that Brandon Ingram could be a difference-maker for the Dallas Mavericks. He could be the missing piece for the team based on positional fit and skillset. Here is why this trade could potentially be a good move for the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Brandon Ingram Is The Wing Player The Mavericks Are Missing
There is no doubt that Brandon Ingram is the perfect wing player for the modern game. He is 6’8″ with a 7’3″ wingspan and can create his own shot effectively in the midrange area and score at a passable rate from the 3PT range. Also, Ingram has decent playmaking ability, which has evolved over the last few seasons. Last season, Ingram averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting 39.0% from the 3PT range.
Adding Brandon Ingram to a core that features Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, while retaining key role players such as Grant Williams and Josh Green would be ideal for the Mavericks. The team would get a player who is thoroughly overqualified to be the No. 3 option behind Doncic and Irving, and Ingram could even be the No. 2 option at times. This is the move that is a good positional fit for the squad and increases the team’s overall talent level. Getting Ingram also ensures that the Mavericks have a star-level player if Kyrie Irving starts to decline.
The main reason that the Dallas Mavericks would be able to trade for Brandon Ingram is due to his contract situation. He only has two years left on his deal, and that means his value is lower than it would be if he were locked in long-term with the New Orleans Pelicans. The team would still have to give up young players and assets, but less draft compensation overall. Right now is the right time for the Mavericks to make a consolidation trade, as they have a good number of young players as well as tradeable contracts.
This trade would clearly give the Mavericks a championship window, albeit a relatively short one, as they are only guaranteed two seasons with this core. However, if they can sign Ingram to an extension, and agree to new terms with Kyrie Irving in the future, then they will be in good shape. This trade definitely makes sense from a basketball standpoint from the Mavericks, and perhaps Brandon Ingram is the missing piece for the team.
The New Orleans Pelicans Rebuild Around Zion Williamson
As mentioned previously, Brandon Ingram is only on a two-year contract right now. If he reaches next season and doesn’t agree to an extension with the Pelicans, then his trade value will drop dramatically, as he will be on an expiring deal. He is also 26 right now, and trading Ingram for younger players could mean that the Pelicans can reset their timeline and rebuild around Zion Williamson.
The key veteran that the Pelicans would get in this deal is Christian Wood, who is a sharpshooting big man who could in theory fit well with Zion Williamson. This season, Wood averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 37.6% from the 3PT range. Though he has defensive issues, Wood could be a good piece that helps the team both now and going forward.
The two young prospects that the New Orleans Pelicans would get in this deal, are Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Dereck Lively would finally give the Pelicans a center that protects the rim and can provide vertical spacing. He was selected in the lottery by the Mavericks for a reason, and Lively’s athleticism, defensive instincts, and rebounding have stood out during his time at Duke. Meanwhile, Olivier Maxence-Prosper is a good defensive forward, that is capable of guarding multiple positions. He would be a great player who can come off the bench and give minutes in a pinch for the squad.
The first-round pick that the Dallas Mavericks would send out in this deal is likely to be valuable, as it will be conveyed in 2027, outside of the team’s current championship window. The Mavericks will still have future first-round picks that they can use to draft prospects, and trading one shouldn’t be an issue.
It remains to be seen if the New Orleans Pelicans will end up trading Brandon Ingram. In their current situation, it might be something to consider, given the fact that Ingram and Zion Williamson haven’t had much success with one another.
Brandon Ingram Could Change Everything For The Dallas Mavericks
There is no doubt that Brandon Ingram is a star-level wing that could unlock everything for the Dallas Mavericks. His offensive skillset complements Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and the trio definitely have a high ceiling together. Though they would have to sacrifice some of their future, it is worth it to give Luka Doncic a legitimate chance to win the championship.
It remains to be seen if the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans come together on a deal with this framework in the future. This could certainly be a solid move for both teams. The Pelicans have shown no inclination to trade Brandon Ingram right now, but things could easily change in the future.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
