Reality doesn’t always meet our expectations. Sometimes, things are different than you expected. The same holds true in the NBA. We’re all free to make predictions, but at times, they’ll inevitably be wrong.
Take the New York Knicks. They play on the biggest stage in the NBA. They also have a surplus of assets. This won’t be a plucky underdog team that’s happy to advance to the second round. The Knicks should be a title contender that’s built around a superstar – right?
Wrong. The Knicks made a run to the second round last season behind Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. That was a successful season for this team – but they’ll be looking to advance further next year. Could it be time for them to acquire a star? How about Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Brandon Ingram
With that said, Knicks fans have had some high expectations in recent years. Typically, they haven’t been met. The most optimistic among their supporters expected to be watching a vastly different team by now.
First, they expected Zion Williamson. For some reason, it just felt like the Knicks would land the top pick in the 2019 draft. They did not. As a result, they drafted Barrett. The following summer, they were seen as candidates to sign Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Ultimately, they’d choose the Brooklyn Nets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
In that way, things haven’t worked out for the Nets – at least, not in the way that they expected them to work out. Instead, Brunson and Randle emerged as unexpected stars. Could the Knicks offer them support by acquiring Ingram?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
We think so. In fact, we think Ingram would be a perfect fit with the rest of this roster. The Knicks would be putting the finishing touches on a team with title aspirations.
After all, Ingram is an outstanding shot-creator. He can score in high volume with great efficiency. This is one of the most dynamic offensive wings in the NBA. Ingram should make the Knicks a much better team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Largely, that’s because he’s a massive upgrade over Barrett. Yes, Barrett still has potential – but he’s been wildly inconsistent throughout his NBA career so far. By contrast, Ingram is a reliable producer. Should the Pelicans really flip him for Barrett?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Perhaps the biggest lesson here is to be careful what you wish for – no matter what you’re expecting. The Pelicans would ultimately earn the right to select Williamson. How has that worked out for them so far?
Not as well as they’d hoped. Williamson is nearly constantly injured. Now, the Pelicans are widely rumored to be considering some sweeping changes. They’re making them here. More than anything, theyre doing this deal for the two unprotected first-round picks and the swap.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Yet, there could be some value in adding Barrett as well. He and Williamson were college teammates – they’ve got some preexisting chemistry. In a world where Barrett hits his stride and Williamson gets his body right, this deal could keep the Pelicans relevant and add to their already-impressive collections of draft capital. They’ll have high expectations if that’s how this shakes out.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
