Brandon Ingram

Arguably, Brandon Ingram would be the best target on this list for the Indiana Pacers. That’s because, unlike Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal, he’s on the right side of 25. If the Pacers are looking to rebuild on the fly, they accomplish that goal by trading for Ingram.

Despite being without Zion Williamson for its duration, the Pelicans can take pride in participating in the play-in tournament this season. Indeed, they’re excited to add the recent #1 pick back into the fold next season to see how far he can take them. He won’t come cheap if he comes at all.

On the other hand, betting on Williamson has become a risky proposition. His commitment to New Orleans is under constant scrutiny, and his frame lends itself to questions about his long-term durability. The Pelicans may host a fire sale if he demands a trade or is sidelined by injury again.

If that happens before the draft, the Pacers should look to strike. If the Pelicans are forced to rebuild, swapping Brandon Ingram for a top-five pick seems like a reasonable course of action.

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Meanwhile, the Pacers could make a play-in run of their next year by adding Brandon Ingram. That would be an excellent outcome for a team as young as they’d be.

In fact, given the organization’s distaste for rebuilding, it would be perfect.