There are teams in the NBA that have some difficult decisions to make. They’re in a bind. It’s not necessarily that their outlook is bleak – it’s just confusing. These teams could justify any number of decisions.
Take the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets haven’t been excellent to start the year. For plenty of teams, that wouldn’t be such a big deal. They’d concede defeat and try their odds in next summer’s lottery. For the Nets, that isn’t an option. Every time they lose, the Houston Rockets win – they own their pick.
Yet, the Nets shouldn’t decide based on what pick they send the Rockets, either. This team could use an offensive star, but they should target one on the younger side.
That way, they can build towards the future while improving their bottom line. How about Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal — Brooklyn Nets Land Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Brandon Ingram
The Pelicans have decisions to make as well. This team is in a different bind. For what it’s worth, they’ve got more flexibility than the Nets. The Pelicans have all of their own draft capital moving forward, and some picks from other teams as well. What decisions are plaguing the Pelicans?
Mostly, they’re extremely injury-prone. Zion Williamson has missed considerably more games than he’s played since entering the league.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Meanwhile, Ingram has health concerns as well. The Pelicans don’t have to rush to move either, but if they struggle with injuries again this year, this situation will look untenable.
That’s life in the NBA. Only the Denver Nuggets are defending the title. Most teams have both reasons to be optimistic and reasons to be concerned.
Would this deal make the Pelicans’ outlook more optimistic?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Yes, Simmons is injury-prone as well. That’s not the point here. The Pelicans do this deal for the draft capital above all else. They already have an impressive collection of draft capital. After making this deal, they could make a move for a star at their own will.
Why would they trade a star in order to put themselves in a position to land a star? Well, the combined injury concerns of Williamson and Ingram may be too much for New Orleans.
In time, they may want to target a more durable star who can carry this group when Williamson is out. In the meantime, Simmons is a risk worth taking.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets Updates
He has looked like a starting-caliber player in 2023-24. Meanwhile, Simmons could be a natural fit for this roster with a stretch big like Jonas Valanciunas on the roster.
Should the Nets part with Simmons while he’s heating back up?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets don’t just owe the Rockets this pick. They owe them their picks through to 2027. Some picks go to the Rockets outright, and some go via swap. Either way, the Nets won’t benefit from losing.
So, they need an offensive focal point. Ingram feels like a good fit. Sure, the Nets’ rotation will be especially wing-heavy following this deal. That’s fine. Ingram and Mikal Bridges can play the two and three interchangeably, and Cameron Johnson can play the four. This can work.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Otherwise, Ingram is a perfect fit. His propensity for midrange jumpers shouldn’t be a massive problem for the Nets – they have pristine spacing. If Ingram is available, acquiring him shouldn’t be a difficult decision for the Nets.
