With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the New Orleans Pelicans have had two NBA All-Star-level players the last two seasons, but they have not made the playoffs because of their lack of supporting talent. However, after adding Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham, and some other key talents for depth, the Pelicans finally have a solid enough looking team that could compete for a playoff spot. 

While they are a solid franchise in the Western Conference, the Pelicans have only made the playoffs twice in the last ten seasons. This organization finally looks like they can contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but at the same time, this franchise has been known always to be open to building for the future at the same time. 

The Pelicans will enter the 2021-22 season with one of the younger teams in the league in terms of total years of experience, so could they possibly look to expand on their youthful core while also contending for a playoff spot by leveraging Brandon Ingram while his value is high?

There were some trade rumors earlier in the offseason that Ingram could be on the move, but nothing ever developed trade-wise for him around the NBA. 

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Now, with Ben Simmons on the trade market and the Philadelphia 76ers looking to replace him with another All-Star level player, it is not far-fetched to believe that the Sixers would entertain the idea of adding Brandon Ingram to their roster. If they did this, Ben Simmons could go to New Orleans, but what if he went to Minnesota instead? 

Let’s take a look at a hypothetical three-team trade consisting of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Minnesota Timberwolves that would happen before the 2021-22 season and involve the likes of All-Stars Brandon Ingram, Ben Simmons, and D’Angelo Russell.