The New Orleans Pelicans are in a pickle this offseason. Following their first-round defeat at the hands of the OKC Thunder, the Pelicans’ hierarchy have a lot of unanswered questions that need urgent attention. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about the Pels is Zion Williamson and his terrible luck with injuries. However, the most pressing issue for New Orleans this offseason isn’t Zion’s health woes; it’s actually the uncertain future of Brandon Ingram.
The Pelicans’ unwillingness to hand a max contract to Brandon Ingram has led to growing speculations regarding a blockbuster trade. Teams like the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings have already registered an interest in acquiring BI’s services. However, another team in highlight for Ingram is the Los Angeles Lakers.
In an interview with Heavy Sports, an anonymous Eastern Conference executive revealed that the Lakers might be looking to rope in BI. The exec said, “It’s an idea, if they’re willing to take the chance. Brandon as a third option with LeBron and Anthony Davis, it certainly makes them better, it gets them back to being a contender, or at least in that orbit.”
The forward, who is currently on five-year, $158 million contract extension, has one year left on his current contract with the Pelicans. This allows Ingram to be eligible for a four-year max contract extension worth $208 million after the 2023-24 season’s end. But here’s the catch; BI hasn’t entirely impressed the Pels’ top brass, who think that he’s not worth the max contract extension. And to be really honest, one can’t blame them. Ingram failed to step up in Zion Williamson’s absence this postseason, averaging just 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 4 games of the 2024 playoffs.
What does the future have in store for Brandon Ingram?
The Pelicans’ 4-0 first-round exit this postseason certainly doesn’t do justice to their performances all season round. They finished the regular season as the 7th seed in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. And if it weren’t for untimely injuries to Zion, BI and CJ McCollum, New Orleans would’ve just been in reach of a playoff spot.
However, the NBA doesn’t revolve around ifs, buts, and maybes. After yet another underwhelming season, Pelicans GM David Griffin has promised major changes this offseason. He said, “I want to be really, really clear: This is not going to be a summer of complacency. It’s time to get better.” That change could start by trading Brandon Ingram. His fit with Zion leaves a lot to be desired, especially when he shot just 35.5% from beyond the arc.
According to Bovada, the Orlando Magic are the early favorites to acquire Ingram. However, they too lack 3-Point shooting. Furthermore, they already possess Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in Ingram’s position. Therefore, BI might not be the best fit for Orlando. However, a name that might entice the Magic is Klay Thompson. Klay’s contract with the Warriors has expired, and he’s an unrestricted free agent this offseason. A promising and young roster with championship potential would certainly be of interest to Klay. But will he leave the Warriors? And as per an anonymous Western Conference executive the Warriors might be eyeing Brandon Ingram. Who can land a deal?
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