If you love the NBA, you know that the playoffs are the most exciting time of the year. If you’re a fan of a surefire playoff team, you’re eagerly waiting for the postseason.
Just getting to the playoffs is an accomplishment. Some teams fail to do it for years on end. In time, they may make a major move with the playoffs in mind – even if it’s costly.
That’s what the Sacramento Kings did a couple of years ago. They sent Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Domantas Sabonis. If the Kings don’t win a series this year, they could make another major move. Could they acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G/F Kevin Huerter, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G/F Brandon Ingram
The Kings hadn’t simply missed the playoffs for a while. They missed out on the postseason for 16 consecutive seasons. That was the longest playoff drought in NBA history.
What happened? It’s complicated. The Kings had a franchise-caliber player for some time in Demarcus Cousins. Unfortunately, they were never able to put the right talent around him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings Updates
Those days are behind them. The Kings are focused on the present. This team made a playoff run last year. Could they acquire Ingram if they don’t make a deeper run this year?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Last year, the Kings were a feel-good story. If they don’t win a series or two this year, they’ll lose some of that goodwill. You don’t trade Tyrese Haliburton just to build a perennial first-round exit team.
In theory, the Kings should be bolstering their poor defense. Here, we’ve got them taking another direction. With an efficient three-level scorer alongside two dynamic playmakers in Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, the Kings would be building an unstoppable offense instead.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings Updates
With that said Ingram is no scrub on the defensive end. He’s average, and he’s got the physical tools to improve. Should the Pelicans part with him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans have established themselves as a playoff fixture. Like the Kings, they need to win a series to appease their fans. Unless they go in a different direction, that is.
That’s not to say we’ve got them tanking here. Following this deal, the Pelicans should stay relevant. They’d improve the floor spacing around Zion Williamson. If he can stay healthy, they could stay in the playoff race.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings Updates
With that said Ingram is the best player in this deal. That’s why the Pelicans are picking up two unprotected firsts as well. In time, they could use those picks to trade for a star. Who knows? That could help them advance deep into the playoffs.
