I want to say that the New Orleans Pelicans have had a rollercoaster year so far in the 2024-25 NBA season, but it's more like they immediately entered a freefall in October that's still continuing its descent. However, there has been one player on the team who's had a bumpy ride so far: Brandon Ingram.
BI began the campaign with one foot out of the door, as he and the Pelicans couldn't come to an agreement over a contract extension over the offseason, making it extremely likely that he'd be moved before the trade deadline. Then, the entirety of the roster was mauled by injuries and he was left as the last man standing, desperately working to try to keep New Orleans afloat to no avail.
His future with the team has flip-flopped several times due to conflicting reports. Between him firing his former agency and replacing them with Klutch Sports, league insiders expecting a quiet trade deadline due to the financial and competitive state of the league, a major suitor dropping out of pursuit, and the Pelicans reportedly making everyone on the team available aside from a few young prospects, it was impossible to decipher how long Ingram would remain in the Big Easy. A new report has come out that has reignited the Brandon Ingram trade rumors, as a legitimate title contender has shown interest in the star wing.
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in trading for Brandon Ingram
SNY's Ian Begley reported in a tweet that the Denver Nuggets have Brandon Ingram "on their radar." It's no secret that their organization is looking to add talent around two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in pursuit of another title, with Jamal Murray taking several steps backward as a second option for the Joker.
The Canadian star point guard is currently producing his lowest scoring output since the 2019-20 season with 18.4 points per game and is hitting his worst mark from the field since his rookie year at just 42.5 percent. The Nuggets are also expected to pursue the Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine.
Begley also stated that Michael Porter Jr. would likely be heading to New Orleans in any potential deal for Ingram. The two can be swapped for each other straight up, as MPJ's $35.8 million figure is nearly identical to BI's $36 million salary.
As Ingram is in the last year of his current contract and will need an extension before the year while Porter Jr. is a 26-year-old borderline All-Star with two additional years left on his deal, the Pelicans are unlikely to get any additional assets back in a swap between the two. MPJ is currently averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from deep.