Some NBA players just can’t keep their names out of trade rumors. They should take that as a compliment. If we’re constantly speculating that teams might want them, that probably means that they’re good players.
Take Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram is a mainstay in trade rumors. Recently, he’s even addressed this in the media. Lately, those rumors are picking up. It’s been suggested that Ingram and the Pelicans are not currently discussing his contract extension. Is his time in the Big Easy coming to an end?
We don’t know. With that said, it does feel possible. Meanwhile, if the Pelicans put Ingram on the market, he’ll have no shortage of suitors. Could the Atlanta Hawks be one of them?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 14 Protected – SAC via ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Brandon Ingram
Some teams can’t keep their names out of trade rumors, either. That isn’t a compliment. When a team has something that’s working, they’re not typically seen as candidates to make a big deal. Teams that are routinely in trade rumors are probably not meeting expectations.
Take the Hawks. This team has been inconsistent since drafting Trae Young. They’ve exceeded expectations in some seasons, and fallen short of them in others. Some would suggest that Young’s poor defense is partly to blame for that inconsistency. With that in mind, the Hawks acquired Dejounte Murray to make up for Young’s deficiencies on that end.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Was that the right call? In 2022-23, it didn’t look to be. The Hawks struggled to establish an effective offensive dynamic between Young and Murray. Murray is a subpar shooter, which limits his impact when Young has the ball. Would Ingram help?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
He’d certainly help. Ingram is a floor spacer. Of course, he’s much more than that. He’s among the most talented shot-creating wings in the NBA. This would be a huge upgrade for this team.
Arguably, the Hawks would have a superteam if they made this deal. Between Young, Murray, and Ingram, they’d have three players who can create shots for themselves and others. If they develop chemistry, they could be exceedingly difficult to guard. Even if the fit between Young and Murray remains suboptimal, at some point, this trio’s combined talent could overcome that obstacle.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Meanwhile, the Hawks shouldn’t’;t balk at this price, either. Ingram would replace Hunter in the starting lineup. At this point, it doesn’t feel like Onkongwu will ever leap Capela, and Johnson still has some developing to do. Should the Pelicans accept these guys in return for Ingram?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Onkongwu may be struggling to leapfrog Capela. He shouldn’t have that issue in New Orleans. Apparently, the Pelicans are looking to replace Jonas Valanciunas with a more defensive-minded big man. Onkongwu is a versatile big who can defend the rim and protect in space.
Meanwhile, Hunter may not be nearly the offensive player that Ingram is. He is a marginally better defender. All told he’s a more complementary off-ball player. If Zion Williamson can get healthy, Hunter should be a good match alongside him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & Atlanta Hawks Updates
At the same time, this deal isn’t likely to make the Pelicans better – for now. After all, they’re moving the best player in the trade. That’s why they’re also receiving draft compensation. In time, they could use parts of this package to trade for another star. For now, all we can do is keep an eye on the rumors.
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