The Utah Jazz have been involved in trade rumors all season around their star forward Lauri Markkanen. However, the Jazz might not end up trading their best player and instead, engage in a blockbuster trade to get him more help. The New Orleans Pelicans are also heavily involved in trade rumors because Brandon Ingram’s time could be up, and there is a blockbuster deal that could work that sends Ingram to the Utah Jazz.
Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
This trade would be one of the most unexpected in recent memory because a dynamic duo would be formed as the Jazz look forward to a successful season in 224-25 while the Pelicans rebuild.
Utah Jazz Create A Dynamic Duo With Lauri Markkanen And Brandon Ingram
The Utah Jazz acquiring Brandon Ingram forms a formidable duo alongside Lauri Markkanen, positioning the Jazz as a competitive force in the Western Conference. Ingram, a 6’8″ forward, has consistently been one of the NBA’s top scorers, averaging 20.8 points per game during the 2023-24 season while shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc. These numbers are down from the season before when he averaged a career-high 24.7 points per game on 39.0% from deep.
Pairing him with Markkanen, who had a breakout season averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, creates a potent one-two punch capable of stretching defenses and scoring from all levels. This combination of Ingram’s versatility and Markkanen’s shooting prowess will pose significant matchup problems for opposing teams, making Utah a more dynamic and unpredictable offensive team.
Ingram’s playmaking ability also adds another dimension to the Jazz’s offense. Averaging 5.7 assists per game last season, Ingram has demonstrated his capability to facilitate and create opportunities for his teammates. This skill set complements Markkanen’s off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot ability, allowing the Jazz to run a more fluid and diverse offensive system. The presence of two elite scorers will also open up the floor for other role players, creating more open looks and driving lanes, which can elevate the entire team’s offensive efficiency.
Defensively, the Jazz can benefit from Ingram’s length and athleticism. While not an elite defender, Ingram’s 7’3″ wingspan provides the potential to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively. The Jazz ranked 17th in offensive rating (115.5) and dead last in defensive rating (120.4) so they will greatly benefit from Ingram’s presence as a scorer and all-around athlete.
New Orleans Pelicans Re-Tool Around Zion Williamson
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler signifies a strategic re-tooling around Zion Williamson. Sexton, known for his scoring prowess, averaged 18.7 points per game in the 2023-24 season despite limited minutes due to injury.
His aggressive playing style and ability to penetrate defenses will complement Williamson’s dominant inside presence. Sexton’s career average of 18.9 points per game and 38.3% three-point shooting make him a valuable addition to the Pelicans’ backcourt, providing another scoring option and easing the offensive burden on Williamson.
Walker Kessler, a promising young center, adds a defensive anchor to the Pelicans’ frontcourt. During his rookie season, Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, showcasing his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities.
His defensive presence in the paint will allow Williamson more freedom to focus on his offensive game, knowing that the team has a reliable rim protector. Kessler’s development alongside Williamson could form a formidable frontcourt duo, with Kessler’s defense complementing Williamson’s scoring and rebounding.
This trade also provides the Pelicans with greater roster flexibility and a chance to build around Williamson’s unique skill set. The Pelicans have seemingly had enough with both Ingram and Williamson and moving Ingram helps them reshape their core moving forward because Sexton is 25 and Kessler is only 23.
A Blockbuster Trade That Helps Both Teams
This blockbuster trade between the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans stands to benefit both franchises by addressing their immediate needs and future aspirations. For the Jazz, acquiring Brandon Ingram elevates their offensive firepower, creating a dynamic duo with Lauri Markkanen that can compete with the elite teams in the Western Conference. Ingram’s scoring, playmaking, and length provide Utah with a versatile player who can excel in various roles, making the Jazz a more formidable and well-rounded team.
On the other hand, the Pelicans gain valuable assets in Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, who complement Zion Williamson’s game. Sexton’s scoring ability and aggressiveness in the backcourt provide a reliable secondary option, while Kessler’s defensive prowess and rebounding offer much-needed support in the frontcourt.
This trade allows the Pelicans to re-tool their roster around Williamson, ensuring they have a balanced mix of offense and defense that can support their star player’s growth and mitigate the risk of injury setbacks. Ultimately, this trade exemplifies a win-win scenario where both teams address their specific needs while positioning themselves for sustained success.
