The Atlanta Hawks are on the outside looking in on the 2020 title race, but with Trae Young, they’ve still got one important element to cling to: hope.
Young has looked stellar so far in their very short and young careers, and there is reason to believe he could be a successful first option for the Hawks.
But if Atlanta really wants to move up a rung in the East, they’re going to have to improve their roster. Fortunately, the NBA is full of opportunities and in an article by Bleacher Report‘s Zach Buckley, he details a trade scenario that could see the Hawks land Pelicans star Brandon Ingram.
The Hawks could use a rebuild accelerator on the wing, plus an offensive co-star to complement Young and keep the club afloat when he sits. Brandon Ingram would scratch both itches.
The 22-year-old booked his first All-Star trip this season while setting career highs in points (24.3), rebounds (6.3) and assists (4.3). That might be reason enough for the New Orleans Pelicans to max him out in restricted free agency, but the Hawks have nothing to lose by throwing a max offer at him and hoping the Pels are receptive to a sign-and-trade, perhaps built around Collins and draft considerations.
Ingram is still a mostly unproven young star, but as a first-time All-Star this past season, it’s clear he’s capable of great things in the right environment.
Alongside Trae, he wouldn’t have to worry about carrying the offensive load by himself, and between the two of them, the Atlanta offense would be as versatile as they come.
Needless to say, it remains to be seen whether or not the Pels would even consider an Ingram trade, but perhaps for the right offer, they’d be inclined to at least think about it.
The 22-year-old has averaged 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 46.6% shooting this season
