Brandon Ingram has been one of the Pelicans' top players since he was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans by the Los Angeles Lakers in a big trade for Anthony Davis, but his time with the team may be coming to an end. After being swept in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pelicans seem to be looking to make some major changes this upcoming offseason, with Ingram a potential trade target around Zion Williamson rebuilding the roster.
"Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is considered the most likely player to trade, according to rival executives who believe Ingram and Zion don't work well together on the court," according to a new report from HoopsHype's well-known journalist Michael Scotto. ”
In addition to the poor integration with Zion, Ingram could be traded for the rise of young player Trey Murphy. As a first-round pick in 2021, Murphy is expected to get a big contract totaling nearly $100 million this summer, which is definitely a very cheap price compared to the money it would take to keep Ingram. With Murphy already in place as a ready-made replacement, it won't be difficult for Pelicans management to make the decision to trade Ingram while also expanding Herb Jones' role on the team.
Averaging 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in his five seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ingram has a decent offensive and multi-position defensive ability, and should be a hot commodity in the free agent market considering that multiple teams are expected to have plenty of salary space this summer.