The NBA offseason is in full swing, and one of the most highly anticipated trades involves New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. According to multiple reports, Ingram is expected to become available for trade as his representation and the team cannot agree on a long-term extension before next year. The wing market has come into focus with several teams looking for potential additions.
The Atlanta Hawks have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Ingram, but no substantive talks between the Hawks and Pelicans have taken place yet. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are considering various wing options including Ingram as potential trade targets.
However, Ingram's desire to stay in New Orleans is well-known. He has expressed his excitement about what the team is building and believes in their future prospects. Pelicans EVP of basketball operations David Griffin also stated that Ingram wants to stay and that they are excited about him as well.
Despite Ingram's desire to remain with the Pelicans, financial concerns may force New Orleans to consider trading him. The team is at risk of hitting the NBA's luxury tax threshold for the first time in franchise history next season, which could impact their ability to sign or retain key players.
Injuries have also been a concern for Ingram throughout his career, including a knee injury last season that impacted him during the playoffs. He was held to 14.3 points through four games as New Orleans was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have shown reluctance to trading their core players: Darius Garland, Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. However, they are reportedly interested in Ingram and could offer Allen in a potential trade. The Pelicans value Allen as a trade target due to his defensive abilities and rebounding prowess.
Ingram averaged 20.8 points per game with 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds during the 2023-24 season, shooting 49.2 percent from the floor and knocking down 35.5 percent of his three-point attempts.
The Sixers are another team that has been linked to Ingram in trade discussions, but they find themselves in a precarious position with Joel Embiid's age and injury history. The team's window for winning is 2025-26 and 2026-27, and the draft pool is shallow. Free agency begins on Sunday, Paul George is not a viable option for the Sixers due to financial constraints, and Daryl Morey has over $60 million to spend in free agency.
Despite trade kicker and potential future contract costs, Ingram is a better bet than other available players for the Sixers. He averaged 23.1 points with the Pelicans compared to Harris's 17.3 points across their fourth and eighth seasons, and he played well as a second or third option scorer while Harris struggled in that role.
The Sixers misevaluated or underdeveloped seven top-10 picks in the first six years of 'The Process'. To rebuild the roster around Embiid, the first piece is acquiring Brandon Ingram.