When you’re looking at NBA trade rumors, you’re putting together a puzzle. If a piece doesn’t fit in one place, that doesn’t mean that it won’t fit in another. Often, you can use one rumor to make a deduction about an entirely different situation.
For example, the New Orleans Pelicans were reportedly considering moving Brandon Ingram in exchange for a top draft pick. A deal never materialized. Is that because the Pelicans changed their mind? Isn’t it more likely that nobody would move a top pick for him?
With all due respect to Ingram, top draft picks have tremendous value to rebuilding teams. Is it possible that the Pelicans would consider trading Ingram for, say, a stockpile of future first-rounders? If so, could the Brooklyn Nets send them some for Ingram?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Brandon Ingram, G Kira Lewis Jr.
Let’s flashback to the 2016 NBA Draft. In hindsight, nobody would have expected to see a proposal like this one. Ben Simmons was the jewel of his class.
Sure, Ingram was selected second overall. He even received some fringe consideration as the top selection. Still, it felt overwhelmingly likely that Simmons would be the choice. He was. For a long time, he was on track to vindicate that decision.
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
With that said, his production has fallen off of a cliff over the last couple of seasons. By contrast, Ingram has steadily improved. At this one, anyone would take him ahead of Simmons in a redraft. All told, it speaks to the difficulty of projecting NBA careers. With that in mind, should the Pelicans really trade Ingram for draft picks?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, let’s ask another question: why were the Pelicans rumored to be shopping Ingram in the first place? He’s an excellent player. Why would the Pelicans give him up?
Mostly, he’s a little injury prone. That in itself is not a huge problem. Ingram is not among the least durable players in the NBA. Unfortunately, his teammate Zion Williamson is. The Pelicans may feel weary of having them both on the roster. Meanwhile, as talented as Ingram is, Williamson still has a much higher ceiling.
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
So, they could consider moving on from Ingram. Following this deal, the Pelicans would have one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA. If Williamson can get his career back on track, they could use it to trade for his co-star down the line. If he can’t, they could keep it, and move Williamson for even more draft capital. Should the Nets help them assemble their collection?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Following this deal, the Pelicans’ collection of first-round picks would be enormous. On the other hand, the Nets’ collection already is. Why would they make such a huge dent in it?
Well, the Nets could have all of the picks in the world. As long as they don’t own their own, they’ve got no incentive to lose. This team owes their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. If they want to be sure to avoid sending them a good pick, they need an offensive upgrade.
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Ingram would be a huge one. Sure, the Nets would be wing heavy. We suspect that Ingram can co-exist with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. Bridges can play the 2 and Johnson can play the 4. The Nets would have one of the deepest teams in the NBA. In other words, Ingram could be the last piece in their puzzle.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
