Earlier in the offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans blew NBA minds when they went out and traded with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire Dejounte Murray. The move was a bit controversial, as the team was already chock-full of high-caliber ball-dominant scorers with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum already on board.
Sure, Murray could theoretically help in two areas where New Orleans desperately needed assistance last year — perimeter defense and playmaking — but the fit is questionable at best. The goal since the Pelicans drafted Zion has been a simple one: surround the high-flying relentless slasher and super athlete with as much shooting and defense as possible. While Murray has the reputation of an excellent stopper, he was extremely ineffective on that end of the court last season. He's also a decent outside shooter, but it certainly isn't his primary strength on offense, nor is it his preferred mode of operation.
Neither CJ nor BI is a perfect fit next to Zion either, although CJ has made strides in his game to be a better complement to the Pelicans' cornerstone. With New Orleans having a small collection of mismatched stars and several holes in the roster, one can surmise that another notable roster move may be in store for them. Ingram will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end, so, if they don't plan on bringing him back, the Pelicans will have to trade him before the deadline, lest they risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
The Pelicans need to address these roster holes if they trade Brandon Ingram
1. Center
As it currently stands, the Pelicans will be heading into the 2024-25 NBA season with a center rotation consisting of an aging and injury-riddled Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and former second-round pick turned free agent Karlo Matkovic. They could also try to squeeze some minutes at the five out of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Zion, or even Herb Jones. Basically, the situation is pretty bleak.
Brandon Ingram is by far New Orleans's most valuable realistic trade chip. If they do wind up dealing him this season, it would be the most opportune time for the Pelicans to try to land a center who can help their title chase. It could be for a fellow star like Rudy Gobert, a solid starter like Robert Williams III, or someone who can grow alongside their young core like Isaiah Stewart.
2. Wing replacement
If the Pelicans do end up shipping out Brandon Ingram, they'll have to ensure that they get another piece to shore up their wing rotation in return. While New Orleans has a lot of roster overlap and two promising young forwards in Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, they're not as deep as many people think.
Without Ingram, Herb and TMIII are really the only two reliable wings left on the roster. Jordan Hawkins hasn't proven that he can be a consistent contributor, and he doesn't have the size needed to play that role full-time. Aside from him, the only other options on the roster are Matt Ryan and rookie second-round pick Antonio Reeves. The Pelicans don't need another star to replace Brandon Ingram, or even a starter as they have Herb and Murphy III happily waiting in the flanks, but they do need to ensure that they nab a reliable forward to replenish their wing depth.