The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a complicated situation as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Despite a roster full of talent, injuries have consistently derailed their ambitions, leading to underwhelming performances.
In response, the team made a surprising move by acquiring Murray in a trade that few anticipated. However, the primary focus in New Orleans has often centered around Ingram and his contract status.
With Ingram entering the final year of his deal, a trade seemed increasingly likely for the one-time All-Star. Historically, the Pelicans have avoided entering the luxury tax, and there were no signs that this approach would change.
Additionally, growing dissatisfaction within the team due to diminishing roles made Ingram’s departure from the Smoothie King Center seem almost inevitable.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Updates
As the offseason draws to a close, no concrete news has emerged regarding Ingram’s future. This has fueled various trade scenarios, ranging from a reunion with the Los Angeles Lakers to a potential blockbuster deal with the Golden State Warriors.
The latest proposal, as reported by Pincus of Bleacher Report, suggests a three-team trade that would provide the Pelicans with depth while giving the Utah Jazz a formidable duo.
Proposed Trade Breakdown
Utah Jazz Receive: F Brandon Ingram, F Day’Ron Sharpe
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Cameron Johnson, C Walker Kessler
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C John Collins, G/F Brice Sensabaugh, 2025 First-Round Pick (Best of Cleveland Cavaliers or Minnesota Timberwolves)
For the Nets, the trade is relatively straightforward. They exchange an injury-prone Johnson for a first-round pick while upgrading their frontcourt with Collins, a potential starting power forward.
Although Johnson’s value may be diminished due to his injury history, his contract might be more manageable for the Pelicans. In Collins, the Nets gain a player who could either develop or become a valuable trade asset in the future.
The most significant question mark in this scenario involves the Jazz. With Markkanen recently signing a five-year, $238 million extension, Utah’s future plans appear focused on rebuilding. While they may prioritize the 2024 season to enhance their chances in the 2025 draft, the addition of Ingram could elevate them beyond their current rebuilding phase.
A scoring duo of Markkanen and Ingram would undoubtedly be among the league’s most potent, but it could also disrupt Utah’s long-term rebuilding strategy.
Utah’s 2025 first-round pick is top-10 protected and tied to the Thunder. Therefore, the Jazz must remain competitive if they want to maximize their rebuild. A trade involving Ingram might align better with their goals if it occurs closer to the trade deadline, rather than before the season begins.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Updates
Moving Collins or Kessler shouldn’t be too challenging for the Jazz, as both players have been linked to various trade discussions. With two role players and a late first-round pick on the table, this deal might be too tempting for Utah to ignore.
New Orleans’ Perspective
From the Pelicans’ standpoint, history suggests that they are unlikely to exceed the luxury tax. Even last season, they made moves to avoid paying $4 million in luxury tax by offloading Lewis Jr.
A potential max extension for Ingram, combined with the hefty contracts of McCollum, Murray, and Williamson, may be more than the Pelicans are willing to handle, especially with Murphy III’s extension looming. Ingram, who may no longer fit into the Pelicans’ plans, seems like the ideal candidate to be moved.
While trading McCollum might also make sense, he remains a popular figure within the front office and management, making Ingram the more likely trade piece.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz Updates
The proposed trade would address the Pelicans’ need for a center in Kessler, while also adding a reliable shooter in Johnson. Given the current roster, adding more shooting alongside McCollum, Murray, and Williamson could significantly enhance the team’s offensive dynamics.
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