6 Most likely Pelicans to be traded during 2024 offseason
By Will Eudy
3. Brandon Ingram
For a few different reasons, Brandon Ingram will be the most popular trade target in New Orleans this offseason. He has obviously proven his value as a three-level scorer in this league, and he will be a major bargaining chip for the Pelicans in any potential negotiations.
The other biggest reason he is likely to be a frequent topic of conversation in trade talks is his performance on the court as of late. Brandon unfortunately shrunk when it mattered most late in the season, struggling mightily at times in the Pels' first-round series with the Thunder.
In particular, Ingram's eight-point, 2-for-14 shooting night on April 29 against Oklahoma City was a cause for major concern for New Orleans. With Zion Williamson out of the lineup due to injury, it was a perfect time for Brandon to step up and carry his team offensively, and he instead shrunk and missed a big opportunity.
Ingram is currently under contract for the Pels next season, and will be owed $36 million in 2024-25. That is a major financial burden to bear, and New Orleans will have to gauge the temperature on where he stands as one of their franchise cornerstones.