Too much of anything can be bad – even a good thing. That’s true in the NBA as well. Can a team have too many first-round picks? We’re not sure. What we do know is that the Oklahoma City Thunder have set out to answer that question.
Perhaps the framing is off. You can’t have too many first-round picks. On the other hand, you can have too many first-round picks to use. The Thunder couldn’t possibly use every pick they have to select a player and develop them. At some point, they’ll have to consolidate their assets.
It doesn’t have to happen this summer. On the other hand, it could. If the Thunder were to send out some first-round picks for a star player this summer, it would make sense. How about Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Brandon Ingram
Meanwhile, any amount of some things is too much. Take injuries. Any injury is negative. With that said, some NBA teams suffer too many injuries by any standard.
The Pelicans are one of them. In particular, Zion Williamson is especially prone to getting hurt. Yet, even Ingram got injured this summer. All told, the Pelicans are too injury-prone. This has to be a major concern for this organization.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Oklahoma City Thunder & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
What will they do? It’s hard to say. Williamson has been the subject of trade rumors lately. So has Ingram, albeit, to a lesser extent. Would this package be enough to convince the Pelicans to move on from the star wing?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Some Pelicans fans may prefer to trade Williamson. If the problem is injuries, why not trade the player who gets injured more often? We hear you. Trust us, we understand your logic.
Would teams give up this type of package for Williamson? It’s hard to say. At this point, he obviously poses a huge risk. If opposing teams are hesitant to invest in him, that would be a reasonable position.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Oklahoma City Thunder & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Besides – doesn’t Williamson still have a higher ceiling? Here, the Pelicans are taking a walk on the wild side. If Williamson can return to form, they’ll have a perennial MVP candidate and one of the best collections of draft capital in the league. If this organization is willing to gamble on Williamson’s health, they should like this deal. Should the Thunder?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
We’ve sort of spoiled this slide. The Thunder do this deal to consolidate their assets. They’ve got too many first-round picks, and at some point, they’ll have to burn a few at once.
Why not burn them on Ingram? This team could use a wing with some size. They could also use a second offensive potion behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If that player was young enough to develop with their core, that would be a positive as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Oklahoma City Thunder & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Check, check and check. Ingram covers all those bases. In fact, he’d be joining Gilgeous-Alexander to form one of the most talented young duos in the NBA. That’s critical for the Thunder. If there’s one thing you can’t have enough of in the NBA, it’s talent.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
