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Can Pelicans find a match for Brandon Ingram before trade deadline?

Posted on January 3, 2025January 2, 2025 by David Grubb

Brandon Ingram is supposed to be a star. After being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, he was seen as the prototypical wing forward for his length, feathery scoring touch, and high potential. After three seasons with the Lakers, Ingram was considered the centerpiece for the New Orleans Pelicans when they got him in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.

The early returns looked like the Pelicans may have gotten a steal, as Ingram earned his first All-Star nod and the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2020. He and Zion Williamson appeared to be the franchise cornerstones a contender could be built upon.

Less than five years later, it seems as if Ingram’s time in New Orleans is coming to a disappointing end. Ingram, who is in the final year of his five-year, $158.3 million contract, couldn’t agree to an extension with the Pelicans this offseason, and reports indicate that talks between the two sides have stalled to the point that New Orleans has made trading him before the February 6 trade deadline a priority.

The Stalemate in New Orleans

The Pelicans entered the offseason with large amounts of optimism and big questions about their long-term roster construction. With Zion’s durability concerns and CJ McCollum’s best years likely behind him, there was a time that New Orleans had hoped to secure Ingram as part of its core. However, the Pelicans financial valuation of Ingram seems different from B.I.’s, and rumors suggest Ingram was in no hurry to commit long-term to a franchise whose trajectory remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans were weighing their own risks. Ingram has his own spotty injury history, having played at least 70 games just once in his eight-year career. David Griffin and Company must also be frustrated that Ingram hasn’t reached the level that was forecast for him not long ago.

Category	#	Rank
GP	305	6th
MIN	10,302	6th
FGM	2532	5th
3PM	560	3rd
REB	1669	10th
AST	1580	3rd
STL	235	9th
TO	874	4th
PTS	7017	5th
PPG	23.0	3rd

Brandon Ingram’s ranks on the Pelicans’ all-time lists

New Orleans entered the season knowing that Ingram’s future with the team might not extend beyond this year after striking out on reaching a contract extension or a suitable trade. When he was on the court, Ingram’s play was steady, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while increasing his three-point attempts (career-best 6.4) and three-point shooting (37.4%), injuries have again limited his availability. He hasn’t played since spraining his ankle in early December, with no timetable yet for his return.

Trade Options for the Pelicans

So, what do the Pelicans do with Brandon Ingram? Several teams have emerged as potential suitors, each offering trade packages that would change the course of the franchise’s future.

1. Golden State Warriors

As Steph Curry reaches the latter stages of his hall-of-fame career, the Warriors have been actively pursuing All-Star-caliber players to pair with him. After missing out on high-profile targets like LeBron James, Paul George, and Lauri Markkanen over the last year, the Warriors reportedly see Ingram as one of their last opportunities to make a “splash” this season.

Golden State could build a deal around Andrew Wiggins, who would give the Pels a defensive-minded forward and the key number for salary-matching purposes. The Warriors could throw in young talent like Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski, along with a future draft pick or two. Ingram’s scoring ability and improved three-point shooting could make him a seamless fit in the Warriors’ system.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

A reunion with the Lakers would be like going back to the future for Ingram. Los Angeles could offer a package centered around Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt, along with first-round picks in 2029 and 2031. However, the Lakers don’t have much high-upside young talent or immediate impact players.

The Lakers’ interest in Ingram is clear, he would provide LeBron James and Anthony Davis with some additional firepower. Ingram is also a client of Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, LeBron’s agency of choice, but L.A.’s limited assets may leave them outbid by other teams.

3. Sacramento Kings

The Kings are another team whose season has gone sideways, as they sit 12th in the Western Conference standings with a 14-19 record. Sacramento’s owner, Vivek Rinadive, is desperate to rejuvenate their season, with the Kings reportedly interested in Ingram, Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, and Kyle Kuzma.

Ingram’s scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility make him an attractive option for Sacramento. A trade package could include players like Keegan Murray or Davion Mitchell, along with draft assets. Ingram’s fit alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis would elevate the Kings’ ceiling, but it’s unclear if they are willing to part with key young pieces to land him or if Fox’s potential exit changes their strategy.

4. Miami Heat

The Heat, who beat the Pelicans on Wednesday night, have also been linked to Ingram. While the Heat try to navigate uncertainty around Jimmy Butler’s future, team president Pat Riley has shown a preference for retooling around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Ingram could serve as a win-now addition with upside.

A package from Miami might center on Duncan Robinson’s contract, along with young players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and draft picks. However, this offer may not entice the Pelicans as much as what other teams can provide.

5. Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn could be a dark-horse candidate for Ingram, especially given their depth of tradeable pieces. Players like Cam Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith could be included in a multi-player deal, along with draft picks. Ingram’s ability to create his shot would give the Nets an offensive boost.

The Deadline Looms

For the Pelicans, the decision to trade Brandon Ingram is no longer about getting the best possible return. Since that option is likely gone, the Pelicans must focus on charting a new course for their franchise. With Zion Williamson’s future as the face of the team increasingly in doubt, New Orleans must ensure that any trade sets them up for the sustainable success Griffin has been chasing since 2019.

Ingram, for all his talent, is a symbol of the Pelicans’ frustrations. His tantalizing potential has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency. While he’s still just 27 and should be entering his prime, the question remains whether New Orleans is the right place for him to fully thrive—or if there is another team that will finally unlock his potential.

As the trade deadline approaches, one thing is clear: Brandon Ingram’s days in a Pelicans uniform appear numbered. The only question now is where he’ll land—and whether the Pelicans can emerge from his departure stronger than before.

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