All-Star Brandon Ingram has been involved in trade rumors this summer despite being one of the best wing players in the NBA. Ingram could be a perfect target for the Brooklyn Nets, a franchise that is trying to find success since trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving two seasons ago. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans could be looking to trade Ingram for a fresh start around Zion Williamson, and there could be a trade package available that appeases both sides.
Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Brandon Ingram, Jordan Hawkins, 2026 Second-Round Pick, 2028 Second-Round Pick
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith
This trade would see a change in strategy for both teams involved but let’s break down how it would play out since Brandon Ingram would get a fresh start.
Brooklyn Nets Acquire A New Franchise Star
Acquiring Brandon Ingram would provide the Brooklyn Nets with a new cornerstone player around whom they can build their future. Ingram, a versatile wing player, has averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in the 2023-24 NBA season, showcasing his ability to score, create for others, and contribute on the boards. His scoring ability, combined with a smooth mid-range game and a developing three-point shot (35.5% from three last season), makes him a highly valuable asset in today’s NBA. At just 27 years old, Ingram is entering his prime, making him a long-term solution for the Nets.
Ingram’s presence would instantly elevate the Nets’ offensive potential. Brooklyn has been lacking a true go-to scorer since trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and Ingram can fill that void. He’s particularly effective in isolation and as a secondary playmaker, which could take pressure off younger talents like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton, allowing them to thrive in more specialized roles. Additionally, pairing Ingram with sharp-shooter Jordan Hawkins, who shot 36.6% from beyond the arc as a rookie, would add another dimension to Brooklyn’s offense, enhancing spacing and perimeter shooting.
Defensively, Ingram’s length (6’8″ with a 7’3″ wingspan) and agility give the Nets a multi-positional defender capable of guarding multiple positions on the perimeter. Although he isn’t known for his defense, his ability to contest shots and switch across positions would fit well in Brooklyn’s defensive schemes, especially under head coach Jacque Vaughn, who emphasizes versatility and effort on the defensive end.
New Orleans Pelicans Bring Back Two Key Players
For the New Orleans Pelicans, trading Brandon Ingram could signify a shift in focus towards building around Zion Williamson and a more balanced roster. In return, they acquire two valuable two-way players in Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 40.3% from three-point range last season, provides the Pelicans with a dynamic forward who can stretch the floor and complement Williamson’s interior game. His shooting ability could open up more driving lanes for Williamson, who thrives when surrounded by shooters.
Dorian Finney-Smith, known for his defensive versatility, would bolster New Orleans’ perimeter defense, which was inconsistent last season. Finney-Smith averaged 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game and can guard multiple positions, giving the Pelicans a reliable defender to match up against the league’s best wings and forwards. Adding Finney-Smith could provide the defensive stability that New Orleans needs, especially in a Western Conference loaded with elite scorers.
This trade would also create a more defined pecking order within the Pelicans’ offense, allowing Zion Williamson to become the focal point while still providing the team with floor-spacing and defensive versatility. By bringing in two role players who excel in complementary roles, New Orleans can maintain competitiveness while shifting to a new core. Johnson and Finney-Smith also come with manageable contracts, providing financial flexibility for the Pelicans to make further moves as needed.
A Surprising Trade That Works Both Ways
On the surface, trading a star like Brandon Ingram may seem like a step back for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, this deal could prove beneficial for both teams in addressing their specific needs and roster dynamics. For the Nets, acquiring Ingram signals a clear commitment to building a competitive team around a legitimate All-Star talent. With the addition of a young scorer in Jordan Hawkins and future draft picks, Brooklyn secures not only immediate help but also assets for the future, maintaining a healthy balance of competitiveness and flexibility.
For the Pelicans, the trade allows them to address several needs at once. Cam Johnson’s shooting and Dorian Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility provide immediate upgrades in areas where New Orleans struggled last season. This move would also alleviate some of the injury concerns that have plagued their star duo of Ingram and Williamson, as they would be spreading out their talent base more evenly. Additionally, without the pressure of accommodating two ball-dominant stars, the Pelicans could see more fluidity and cohesion in their offensive sets.
Overall, while the trade is unexpected, it represents a strategic shift for both franchises. The Nets would be betting on Brandon Ingram’s potential to elevate them into playoff contention, while the Pelicans would be doubling down on a more well-rounded, Zion-centric approach.
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