Report: Pelicans Could Trade Brandon Ingram This Offseason

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the New Orleans Pelicans could trade Brandon Ingram this offseason.

Ingram is entering the final year of his contract. 

“Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is considered the most likely player to be traded by rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype,” Scotto said on his podcast. “Those executives believe the fit with Ingram and Zion Williamson isn’t ideal on the court. With Ingram entering the final season of his contract at $36 million, he’s been a trade candidate before, but he’s a prime trade candidate now.”

Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists for the Pelicans this season while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line. He is eligible to sign an extension this offseason. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Pelicans in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the series while shooting 34.5% from the floor, 25.0% from 3 and 89.5% from the foul line. 

Ingram, who began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, has career averages of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists with the Lakers and Pelicans. He won the 2019-20 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with New Orleans. 

“The Pelicans are going to build around Zion,” Scotto said. “I’m told the Pelicans recognize this roster around Zion is a little bit disjointed. I’ve heard New Orleans will seek positional upgrades to improve their spacing and not bring in someone who clogs the paint and is in Zion’s way.”

The Pelicans acquired Ingram from the Lakers in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. New Orleans is 144-143 with Ingram in the lineup with no playoff series wins. 

It will be fascinating to see if the Pelicans trade Ingram this offseason. The forward was 35th in the NBA this season in points per game and 51st in total points.