This season, the New Orleans Pelicans are temporarily at the bottom of the West with an 8-21 record.
The Pelicans didn't make any major lineup changes during the offseason. Zion's injury absence nearly killed the Pelicans' entire season.
But now, the Pelicans have heard exciting news. According to Mike Scott, a reporter for The HopsHype, the Pelicans are working to strike a big deal that could change their future. More interestingly, so far, the deal negotiations have not involved Zion or Ingram.
A league source told HoopsHype: "I heard the Pelicans discussed a plan to swap Ben Simmons with future first-round picks and the 76ers. As far as I know, Ingram was not involved in the negotiations, at least for now. Zion has been sidelined due to injury and it is unclear if he will be involved in the deal. ”
Since the end of last season, Ben Simmons has made up his mind to leave the 76ers. The 76ers management has also always wanted to trade Ben Simmons. However, their asking price is too high, and they need a top 25 star in the league. That demand has caused league teams to be deterred by the deal.
Scott's report appeared to contradict the 76ers' demands. Because Ingram's name didn't appear in these deal negotiations, it suggests there could be a third team involved, or the 76ers could have some new plans. Of course, as negotiations progress, Ingram's name may also be mentioned in the future.
The Pelicans' biggest capital is that they have nine first-round picks and three swaps over the next six years. These include their own 6 first-round picks, as well as the Lakers' unprotected first round (2023), the Bucks' unprotected first round (2025/2027). The three swap qualifications are: 24 or 25 years of draft picks with the Lakers, and 24 years and 26 years of draft picks with the Bucks. If it's a three-team deal, the Pelicans' first-round pick will play a big role.
Imagine what the trio of Simmons, Zion and Ingram could do? Ingram's shooting, Zion's athleticism and Ben Simmons' organizational skills combined, they will become a new force in the West.