The New Orleans Pelicans have bottomed out just 12 games into the new season. After their sixth consecutive defeat, a 106-88 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pelicans sit 14th in the Western Conference standings, just one game ahead of the tanking Utah Jazz.
Injuries Plague the Pelicans’ Season
The Pelicans’ current woes began with a brutal string of injuries. Key players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado have all missed significant time, leaving the team thin and relying on younger, less experienced players to fill in. With these absences piling up, the Pelicans’ preseason optimism has taken a hit, and their record reflects the toll these injuries have had on both ends of the floor.
| With Zion | Without Zion | |
| 2019-20 | 11-13 (.458) | 19-29 (.396) |
| 2020-21 | 29-32 (.475) | 2-9 (.182) |
| 2021-22 | 0-0 (.000) | 36-46 (.439) |
| 2022-23 | 17-12 (.586) | 25-28 (.472) |
| 2023-24 | 42-28 (.600) | 7-5 (.583) |
| 2024-25 | 2-4 (.333) | 1-5 (.167) |
Zion’s recurring injuries, in particular, have raised questions about the team’s long-term strategy. The former top overall pick was expected to be the franchise’s cornerstone, however, Zion has faced a persistent cycle of injuries that have had him appear in only 190 of a possible 402 regular-season games (47.3 percent) over five-plus seasons.
Without Williamson in the lineup, the Pelicans have a combined record of 90-122 (.425). With him, they are 101-89 (.532).
In his absence, along with the many others the Pelicans have endured, New Orleans has struggled to be competitive this season. The Pelicans currently rank 25th in offense, 29th in defense, and 28th in net rating. And, despite all the preseason discussion about tempo, the Pelicans remain one of the slowest teams in the NBA.
Brandon Ingram Trade Rumors Gain Traction
The Pelicans might need to consider reshaping the roster with the season slipping away. Brandon Ingram, once the centerpiece of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers, now finds himself as the team’s most tradable asset. Ingram has never quite fit alongside Zion and could help the Pelicans acquire valuable future assets or bolster other areas of the lineup if traded.
One potential trade partner for New Orleans is the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been linked to the Pelicans for months. While not necessarily seeking an Ingram-centered package, the Bucks could be interested in the Pelicans’ assets should Giannis Antetokounmpo eventually seek a new team. In such a scenario, Ingram could either be repositioned in a multi-team deal, or the Pelicans could package other attractive assets like Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, or future draft picks. This trade scenario could give New Orleans flexibility and position the franchise for the future.
Is a Full Rebuild on the Horizon?
Trading Ingram would mean a big change for the Pelicans, who’ve spent the last few years stockpiling talent. However, the team might consider it if they find themselves out of playoff contention. With Ingram’s expiring contract and the likelihood he’ll seek a max deal, moving him could avoid a major financial commitment and open doors for a full rebuild around younger pieces. The Pelicans currently own seven first-round picks between 2025 and 2031.
The question now becomes whether the Pelicans would use this as a chance to pursue another star player—possibly Giannis—or look to build around Zion’s potential. If a trade involves keeping Zion alongside Giannis, the team’s lineup would have two dynamic talents, but it would be financially and strategically difficult for the Pelicans to make it work. If the Pelicans choose to part with Zion, however, they’d face the task of trading a star with great injury concerns for value in a market that would be overly cautious about his health.
Conclusion: A Tough Season Ahead
For the Pelicans, the future is unclear, and with each loss, the conversation around a potential trade for Ingram becomes more pressing. New Orleans must decide whether to double down on its current roster or begin building a foundation for the future. Trading Ingram might signal a significant shift, but it could also be the first step toward a healthier, more stable Pelicans team. That would be a welcomed change from the last seven years of injuries and uncertainty.
Whether they make a big move or not, one thing is clear—the Pelicans must address their injury issues and roster composition to find the type of sustainable success that David Griffin has touted since his arrival. Pelicans fans will watch closely to see if the front office decides to take bold steps or continue to ride it out with the current roster hoping for a turnaround that likely will not happen.
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