NBA teams want star players. That’s an age-old truth. Star players are the most important pieces that any team can add.
There are several means of acquiring stars. When a team starts rebuilding, they’ll look for star power in the draft. At some point, they may consider trading for a star.
Some rumors have suggested that the Houston Rockets will look to trade for a star this summer. Have they drafted a star? It’s hard to say.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Jalen Green is on a star trajectory. The Rockets could include him in a deal that lands them a star player. How about Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Dillon Brooks, C Jock Landale, G Jalen Green, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2028 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – BKN)
Houston Rockets Receive: F Brandon Ingram
The NBA is hard. You may draft a star. That won’t guarantee any success. As in life, there will always be factors that will be out of your control.
Look at the Pelicans. When they selected Zion Williamson with the first pick in the NBA draft, he was supposed to be their savior. At that point, Williamson was the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets Updates
He hasn’t been able to lead the Pelicans to the promised land. Durability issues have held Williamson back. Now, it’s rumored that the Pelicans will be forced to choose between him and Ingram this summer. Should they choose Williamson?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Why would the Pelicans choose between Williamson and Ingram? Well, this team hasn’t made a deep playoff run since putting this duo together. There are plenty of reasons for that, but at some point, something may have to give.
The Pelicans could justify sticking with either player. Given how injury-prone Williamson is, the Pelicans may prefer Ingram. At the same time, Williamson’s ceiling is undeniably higher. At times, he’s looked like an MVP candidate in this league.
So, we have the Pelicans building around Williamson here. In theory, a hyper-athletic guard like Green could be the perfect fit alongside him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets Updates
Still, even if Green doesn’t reach his potential, the Pelicans are landing an elite defensive wing, a pair of first-round picks and a swap here. Should the Rockets give all of that up for Ingram?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Ingram is a star. He’s not a franchise player. If the Rockets make this deal, it will be under the assumption that they already have their franchise player. They’d be bringing Ingram on to support one of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, or Jabari Smith Jr.
If none of those players reach a franchise player level, this trade could look bad in hindsight. This is a risk. At the same time, if any of them duo become a franchise-caliber player, this could be the best decision that the Rockets could make.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets Updates
After all, Ingram is certainly qualified as a number two. He’s a versatile three-level scorer who can create shots for himself and others. In other words, Ingram is a star.
