Grade the Trade: Pelicans flip Brandon Ingram for All-Star guard in mock deal

Should the Pelicans flip Brandon Ingram for Dejounte Murray?

Which version of Murray are the Pelicans getting? He was an All-Star in 2022 and the runner-up for Most Improved Player. Murray became an elite scorer and playmaker as he led the league in steals per game. He was a plus on both ends of the floor, and the Hawks gave up three first-round picks to acquire him. Murray’s scoring stuck, but the playmaking and defense dipped in Atlanta.

Murray would have the ball in his hands more in the Big Easy. Does that allow him to find his stride? Can the 6’5 guard return to being a plus defender in a new scheme? The Pelicans must have a plan to maximize his game for his trade to work.

Clint Capela offers the rim protection New Orleans wants, and this could be a dynamic deal. The pieces must fall into place and could be boosted by another move.

Grade: B+

The New Orleans Pelicans attack their needs, upgrade their roster, and trade Brandon Ingram. The grade settles in at a B-plus because the franchise does not drastically improve its title odds. There is a worry about the Murray and C.J. McCollum backcourt creating the same problems the Hawks currently have. The Pelicans must swing bigger and find superior fits to earn a higher mark.

The New Orleans Pelicans want to improve their roster and are already active in trade talks. Do they pull off a Brandon Ingram blockbuster? Stay tuned to find out.