Trade Proposal Sends Brandon Ingram To Spurs, Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, Draft Picks To Pelicans

One NBA analyst proposed that the San Antonio Spurs acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Spurs and Pelicans:

Trade idea: The San Antonio Spurs trade Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, a 2025 first-round pick (top-10-protected, via CHI), a 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via CHA), a 2025 second-round pick (via CHI), a 2025 second-round pick (via NOP) and a 2026 second-round pick (via UTA) to the New Orleans Pelicans for Brandon Ingram

“The Spurs could be a factor in next season’s playoff race,” Buckley wrote. “As soon as they find the right pieces to fit around Victor Wembanyama, their ascension should be swift and significant.

“A shot-creator of Ingram’s ilk could be massive for this offense. He’s on a three-year run of averaging at least 20 points and five assists every season. Just 15 other players across the Association can claim the same, and most are on a first-name basis with casual fans.

“Between Ingram, Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, San Antonio would be adding capable plug-and-play contributors who can teach winning habits to this young, talented roster. This would quietly be a scary sight to see outside of the Alamo City.”

Ingram is in the final year of his contract. He’ll make $36 million next season. 

A Duke product, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 49.2% from the floor, 35.5% from 3 and 80.1% from the free-throw line.

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Pelicans in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. 

Ingram has career averages of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Pelicans. He won the 2019-20 Most Improved Player of the Year Award. 

The Pelicans acquired Ingram from the Lakers in 2019 in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade.

New Orleans hasn’t won a playoff series with Ingram. 

According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, Ingram’s camp is looking for teams who will pay the forward $210 million. Ingram is seeking a $210 million extension.