Pelicans’ Trade Options for Brandon Ingram Are Limited, According to a Report
Brandon Ingram’s chances of having a new team for the upcoming season seem to be dwindling by the day. For weeks, there have been rumors that the Pelicans were trying to get rid of the forward and his $36 million contract, which expires in 2024. Before the draft, there were rumors that the former All-Star would soon be moving. Those rumors never materialized, and now that free agency is coming to an end and most rosters are pretty much set, New Orleans is reportedly running out of potential trade partners.
Ingram’s performance dipped in the 2023-24 season, but he remained highly effective. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 32.9 minutes per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range across 64 games. The 26-year-old is entering the last year of a five-year, $158.3 million contract. The Pelicans’ acquisition of Dejounte Murray creates an awkward dynamic with another ball-dominant player like Ingram still on the team.
The Philadelphia 76ers initially seemed like a potential destination for Ingram in free agency, but signing forward Paul George removed them from contention. The Sacramento Kings also appeared to be an option, but they acquired forward DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade deal. Similarly, the San Antonio Spurs, who were looking for a veteran to pair with center Victor Wembanyama, chose to bring in guard Chris Paul and otherwise remain quiet.
Realistically, the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers are the only teams with sufficient salary cap space, a need for scoring, and a potential trade package that might interest the Pelicans. The Magic could offer center Wendell Carter Jr., making a trade feasible. On the other hand, the Cavaliers have center Jarrett Allen, but are unlikely to trade him since they hired Kenny Atkinson, who previously coached Allen with the Brooklyn Nets.