New Orleans Pelicans: Hypothetical blockbuster trade with the Celtics

New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Brandon Ingram for Jaylen Brown

At first glance I would run away from this trade as fast as possible, as Ingram is as close to untouchable as a young star gets.

But there are some concerns with his long-term fit with Zion Williamson, especially if neither of them gets much better on defense.

On paper, Jaylen Brown is a much better fit, as he can spread the floor with 3-point shooting but unlike Ingram, is a tenacious defender on the wing.

It would be a blow to have to pay Kemba Walker for two more seasons, but he is still a productive player, a hard-nosed competitor and would change the locker room dynamics for the Pelicans, giving them the vocal leader they lack.

Getting Walker would allow the Pels to move on from Lonzo Ball, move Nickeil Alexander-Walker into the starting lineup, and suddenly the Pelicans go from one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA to a team that could match up favorably with almost anyone.

Losing Ingram would hurt but getting back Brown would more than soften the blow.

I don’t think a trade like this will happen, as it would be too risky for both teams, but it is an interesting one and both teams would at least listen.