Rumors: Pelicans eying star guard in Brandon Ingram trade

The New Orleans Pelicans want to trade Brandon Ingram. He is entering the final year of his contract, and the franchise has no plans of offering a max extension. Ingram’s fit next to Zion Williamson is not ideal, so the best thing for all sides may be to move on.

The Pelicans plan to make significant changes this summer. They have won two playoff series in franchise history and the last came in 2018. New Orleans has a star in Zion Williamson and wants to leap into serious contention. It will take multiple moves, but that is the goal this offseason.

It starts with the 2024 NBA Draft. The Pelicans are rumored to be shopping their first-round pick and may look to turn into a blockbuster trade if the latest rumors are true.

Pelicans looking to trade Brandon Ingram for Hawks star guard

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony noted the Hawks are shopping Trae Young and Dejounte Murray (subscription required) ahead of the draft and linked the Pelicans as a landing spot. It would be a star guard for Brandon Ingram swap that may involve draft picks and other pieces.

New Orleans needs a starting point guard. Ingram led the franchise by averaging 5.7 assists per game last season, but the Pels would benefit from a true lead ball-handler and primary playmaker.

They cannot trade for Trae Young. It would be a disastrous defensive fit next to C.J. McCollum in the backcourt, and Zion would give New Orleans three below-average defenders in their starting five. Young is one of the best playmakers in the NBA, but wherever he lands, the franchise must build a specific roster around his game.

Murray is an intriguing option. He has averaged over 20 points per game for three straight years, but the Pelicans would have to bet on him returning to his 2022 All-Star form. He was an elite playmaker and defender in San Antonio before being traded to Atlanta. The fit next to Ice Trae never worked, and Murray should be in his prime. Could New Orleans unlock his untapped potential? They’d love to try.

The Pels are exploring multiple trades featuring Brandon Ingram. They may wait to see where Paul George lands before moving BI. Multiple teams hope to land PG13 but will have to pivot when the nine-time All-Star chooses his next franchise. That could increase the price for Ingram, but only if David Griffin and the Pelicans are willing to wait.

The New Orleans Pelicans want a star guard to lead their offense. Dejounte Murray and Trae Young are two of the best players rumored to be available this offseason, but things are just starting to heat up.

Do not be surprised to see multiple blockbuster moves in the coming weeks. Several franchises believe they can compete for a championship in 2025, but doing so will mean upgrading their roster. The Pels are in this group and hope to make significant changes. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.