One NBA writer is proposing that the Oklahoma City Thunder acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in a massive blockbuster trade. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Thunder and Pelicans:
The Trade: Thunder trade Davis Bertāns, Josh Giddey, Tre Mann, a 2025 first-round pick (top-six protected, via PHI) and a 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via MIA) to the Pelicans for Brandon Ingram
“Oklahoma City took on Bertāns’ salary this offseason for the opportunity to climb up to No. 10 on draft night and add Cason Wallace to its growing prospect collection,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Clearly, the Thunder are keeping the Latvian on the payroll, so they likely won’t move his pricey pact unless it’s in a major trade that significantly improves the team.
“This deal would do that. Ingram has already earned an All-Star selection and, at 25 years old—the same age as OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—could still be climbing toward his peak. With those two leading the offense, a healthy Chet Holmgren anchoring the defense and Jalen Williams playing a supporting role on both ends, the Thunder could soon be ready to make the kind of leap the entire league would feel.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Ingram signed a five-year, $158.3 million contract with the 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 NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Thunder would have a lethal Big 3 of Ingram, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren if OKC’s front office figured out a way to acquire Ingram from New Orleans.
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