The New Orleans Pelicans are doing everything to find a favorable deal for Brandon Ingram. It’s long known to the team and its fans that while the Duke product is a good basketball player, he doesn’t mesh well with how Zion Williamson plays.
Looking at it from an outsider’s point of view, Ingram is a worthwhile pickup for any team that wants to add firepower to their offense. The 26-year-old forward can easily get almost 21 points a game consistently whenever he’s on the floor.
While Ingram has been linked to multiple teams as the offseason chugs along, the Pelicans are still struggling to find a suitable trade partner who can take Ingram off their books for a player who will add great value to their postseason aspirations.
The New Orleans Pelicans may have to start the season with Brandon Ingram as they struggle to find a trade partner
According to Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Phillips, the Pelicans are finding it hard to find a team that is willing to look past Ingram’s dodgy injury history to pull off a trade for the forward:
For weeks, rumors have persisted that the New Orleans Pelicans were looking to unload the forward and his $36 million expiring contract. Prior to the 2024 NBA Draft, reports swirled the former All-Star would soon be on the move. That never came to pass and now with free agency winding down and most rosters fairly set, New Orleans is reportedly running out of trade partners.
Phillips noted that while the Philadelphia 76ers looked like a possible target for a hot minute, they managed to get Paul George and are subsequently out of the running for the forward. The Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs were also rumored to be interested in his services, but they all opted in another direction.
Realistically, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic are the likeliest destinations if the Pelicans are going to pull this off. Both of these teams badly need scoring from the wing positions, and the forward—who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season—would perfectly fill that need.
Ingram could also make a return to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it’s hard to figure out if he’ll be a perfect fit for the roster that’s as chaotic as they are talented.
Until the New Orleans Pelicans finally find a suitable trade partner, fans may have to brace themselves for another season with him on the roster.
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