1 Dream, 1 Nightmare, 1 Realistic Pelicans Brandon Ingram trade after the draft
By Tyler Watts
The New Orleans Pelicans have a massive Brandon Ingram decision to make this offseason. The All-Star forward is extension eligible entering the final year of his contract. New Orleans needs to sign him long-term or trade him. Many believe BI will be dealt, but David Griffin’s latest comments cast some doubt.
The Pels lead decision-maker promised to make changes (subscription required) after their first-round playoff exit. Nothing has been altered. New Orleans needs more talent and must upgrade their roster to be a serious contender. Trading Ingram remains the most likely avenue to reach the next level.
What could the Pelicans get in return? Ingram is an elite scorer and would command a strong trade package. New Orleans does not want to rebuild. They should be searching for upgrades, so here is a look at three different scenarios if the team moves on from their All-Star forward.
Dream Brandon Ingram trade
The ideal scenario would be acquiring an unquestioned superstar and a starting center for Ingram. Making that type of trade would take other pieces, but New Orleans has draft capital and young talent to deal. The Pelicans should be aggressive and may find the ideal trade partner.
Donovan Mitchell is also entering the final year of his contract and could be on the move if no extension is reached. Fans have heard Jarrett Allen trade rumblings, and this could be the way the Pels acquire two All-Stars in a package for BI.
BI to Cavs
Zion Williamson, Mitchell, and Allen would give New Orleans a dangerous top three and allow them to keep C.J. McCollum, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III to round out their top six. The Pelicans would be difficult to contain and would have the rim protector they need in Allen.
New Orleans would be a force, but the Western Conference is loaded with talent. It will take a bold move like this to earn a playoff spot in 2025 and give the Pels a chance to make a run.
Trading Ingram for two All-Stars would be fantastic, but the franchise’s dream scenario remains unlikely. The Pelicans may have to accept a deal like this if things break wrong this summer.