One NBA writer has named Brandon Ingram and Jonathan Kuminga as the Charlotte Hornets’ top three trade targets. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes the Hornets should try to trade for Ingram and Kuminga.
“Charlotte needs to expand its talent base, and it has two options to do that,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Either fork over the assets needed to acquire a star or play the long game by converting some of its established veterans into prospects and picks.
“Ingram, who had the Hornets’ attention this summer, is an ambitious target, but if things again go awry for the New Orleans Pelicans, he could be the primary piece moved in a significant trade, since his upside can’t match that of a healthy Zion Williamson. Should Charlotte take a more future-focused approach, it could see a huge return on an investment in Kuminga, who might just need the developmental minutes the Golden State Warriors haven’t given him to establish himself as a rising, two-way star.”
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Jonathan Kuminga, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Ingram signed a five-year, $158.3 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans in November 2020. The one-time NBA All-Star averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Pelicans last season while shooting 48.4% from the field, 39.0% from beyond the arc and 88.2% from the free-throw.
The Pelicans acquired Ingram from the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2019 in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. Ingram is averaging 23.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 223 games with New Orleans. The Duke product won the 2019-20 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
The Pelicans missed the NBA playoffs this year after making it in 2022. They lost the 9-10 play-in game at home to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ingram only appeared in 45 games last season, and according to NBA reporter Christian Clark of NOLA.com, Ingram’s inability to play through minor discomfort has frustrated some of his teammates.
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Jonathan Kuminga, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Kuminga appeared in 67 games for the Warriors last season. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.5% from the field, 37.0% from beyond the arc and 65.2% from the free-throw line.
Kuminga has career NBA averages of 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists with the Warriors. It will be fascinating to see how he plays next season.
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