As the Pelicans are down 0-3 to the Thunder, questions are beginning to swirl around Brandon Ingram’s future with the team. Ingram is a 2025 free agent and declined an extension with the Pelicans before the season. Furthermore, he has not elevated his play without Zion Williamson in the playoffs. Ingram is averaging just 16.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 2.3 apg in the playoffs. This could in part be Ingram coming off an injury of his own. The Pelicans also have a plethora of talented young wings highlighted by Herb Jones and Trey Murphy making Ingram somewhat replaceable. The Pelicans desperately need a true lead guard and could target that in a possible Ingram deal. Given these factors, an off-season trade feels best for both sides. Let’s dive into some possible destinations for Ingram.
4 Brandon Ingram Trade Destinations
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks can perhaps make the best offer for Ingram. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have been heavily involved in trade rumors. It’s almost certain one of them will be moved in the off-season, it’s just a matter of which one it will be. Either guard would be a good fit with the Pelicans. Giving them a much-needed lead guard. A potential deal would be centered around swapping Ingram for Murray/Young but would likely include role players from both sides. Young’s fit as a playmaker next to Zion is very intriguing and the pairing would bring the best out of both young stars. Furthermore, the Pelicans are filled with great defenders who can cover up for Young’s deficiencies. Murray’s all-around excellence makes him an ideal fit in the Pelicans system. He notably averaged 25 ppg and 9.1 apg without Young and could reach similar production with the Pelicans.
From the Hawks’ side, this allows them to reset and break up an awkward backcourt pairing. Ingram could fit perfectly next to either Young or Murray. It’s currently very hard to get a read on which guard will be dealt. However, Murray and Ingram are slightly closer value-wise making that swap more likely. Furthermore pairing Ingram with a more established scorer in Young is logical. Ultimately the Hawks combination of two All-Star-level tradable guards makes them the best suitor for Ingram.
Possible Trades
Sacramento Kings
The Kings are a talented team but clearly need an off-season to move to truly compete in the West. Over the past year, the Kings have been linked to several wings including Pascal Siakam, Kyle Kuzma, and Jerami Grant. Sacramento has five first-round picks at their disposal and could make a big splash. While the Kings don’t have a ton of win-now players or tradable guards this scenario is very intriguing if the Pelicans opt to enter a full rebuild. Alternatively, a third team could get involved to give the Pelicans some more win-now talent.
Basketball wise the Kings are an ideal fit for Ingram. He would greatly benefit from playing next to a playmaking big in Domantas Sabonis. Ingram’s fit next to De’Aaron Fox and young wing Keegan Murray is also an exciting possibility. What we’ve seen from Ingram over the past few years suggests he’s best suited as an elite third option making Sacramento the perfect situation for him. From the Kings’ perspective, this trade significantly moves them up the Western Conference hierarchy.
Possible Trades
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs’ off-season plans are very uncertain and heavily depend on how the rest of the playoffs pan out. There are plenty of rumors around Donovan Mitchell and the assumption is he’ll leave as a 2025 free agent. As a result, the Cavs could look to get win-now value out of Mitchell this off-season. This possibility would allow the Cavs to balance out their roster and give them an elite wing. In addition to Ingram, the Pelicans would likely have to part with some draft capital or young talent to match Mitchell’s value.
Despite Mitchell’s optimal fit with the team, the Pelicans might be hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal considering he could still leave as a free agent. However, the Cavs could also float Darius Garland in exchange for Ingram. While he is far less talented than Mitchell, at 24 Garland has plenty of upside and he would give the Pelicans a more traditional playmaking guard. The Garland-Zion duo would be a highlight factory and the pairing would elevate both players’ games. Similar to the Hawks the Cavs can offer one of the best Ingram packages as they both have two tradable elite guards.
Possible Trades
Orlando Magic
The Magic desperately need more offensive creation and floor spacing. This has been on full display during the playoffs, especially in the first two games where the Magic shot just 23% from beyond the arc they are shooting 31% from three in the series. Orlando ranked just 22nd in offense and 24th in three-point percentage this season. Ingram’s shot creation and solid floor spacing abilities fit the bill for what the Magic need. Additionally, Ingram fits perfectly with Orlando’s versatility and length.
The trio of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Ingram would be one of the most lethal wing pairings in the league. This trade would give the Magic a chance to further accelerate their timeline and would make them a top-three team in the East. The Magic can only offer a rebuilding package to the Pelicans. As a result, this scenario is only possible if the Pelicans commit to a full rebuild.
