It’s difficult not to judge NBA players based on where they were drafted. A player’s draft position sets up their expectations. With that said, sometimes, players don’t meet those expectations.
That can happen for several reasons. Look at Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s often looked the part of a top pick, but durability issues have held him back from reaching his true potential.
He’s still looked the part more than Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors. He’s had an up-and-down career, but ultimately, he hasn’t performed like the first overall pick that he was. Could the Warriors include him in a trade for the Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, G/F Moses Moody, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Brandon Ingram
With that said, picks across the lottery can be disappointing. By contrast, second-round picks can defy expectations. If you don’t believe us, just ask the Warriors.
Draymond Green has been a pillar of their dynasty for a decade. He was a second-round pick. We’d say that he was the best second-round pick in NBA history – except last year’s Finals MVP was also selected in the second round.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Updates
With the emergence of Nikola Jokic, teams are starting to take the second round more seriously. Still, the highest odds of landing a franchise-caliber player will always be in the lottery. That’s where the Warriors found Steph Curry. Could they pair him with Ingram?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
We saw Curry alongside a tall, three-level wing scorer before. This sounds familiar. If we remember correctly, the Warriors had a lot of success with those groups.
Granted, Ingram is not Kevin Durant. Nobody is. Still, this would look functionally similar. The Warriors would be injecting a versatile scorer with plus positional size into their longstanding, spaced-out motion system.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Updates
We think it would work. Ingram is also a solid playmaker who should figure out the nuances of the Warriors’ style. If he does, the Warriors could get back to title contention. Should the Pelicans help them get there?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
It’s been rumored that the Pelicans could look to move one of Ingram or Zion Williamson this summer. If they make a deep playoff run, they’ll try to keep them both. Otherwise, one could be on the move.
It won’t be an easy decision. Williamson has higher potential, but his injuries are a major concern. Let’s assume that the Pelicans feel like gambling on upside. In that event, Ingram would be the odd man out.
This deal would soften the blow of losing him. If Wiggins can return to the level he reached a couple of years ago, he could be a better compliment to Williamson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Updates
Otherwise, the Pelicans are landing a pair of first-round picks and an interesting young player in Moody. Next, they’ll need Williamson to make good on his promise as a number-one pick.
