For much of the offseason, rumors have surfaced about what the Utah Jazz will do with big man Lauri Markkanen. The 27-year-old has just one year remaining on his four-year, $67.5 million contract. However, he is eligible for a contract extension this summer. While a contract extension seems like a no-brainer for Utah, Markkanen is receiving trade interest from around the league. Most notably, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly pursuing Markkanen. Ultimately, no trade has come to fruition. Furthermore, the longer Markkanen remains with the Jazz, the more likely it is that he signs an extension with the team. And if he does, it seems the Jazz could have interest in bringing in another big-time forward to team up with him–Brandon Ingram.
According to New Orleans Pelicans writer Christian Clark, the Jazz are a team to monitor in the Ingram sweepstakes. Especially if the team retains Markkanen for the long run, it could push the Jazz into “win-now” mode, making Ingram a desirable candidate.
The Jazz are a potential team to monitor for Brandon Ingram, per @cclark_13 (https://t.co/lsgi6onJoP).
If Utah signs Lauri Markkanen to a new long-term contract in August, they could pivot to a win-now move acquiring Ingram. pic.twitter.com/C4QsUhPTt8
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 28, 2024
Ingram has spent the last five seasons of his career with the Pelicans. In that time, he is a one-time All-Star and took the Most Improved Player award home during the 2019-20 season, his first with the team.
Utah Jazz Linked to a Former NBA All-Star
Why the Pelicans Should Trade Brandon Ingram
Earlier in the season, it seemed that an Ingram trade was inevitable for New Orleans. He was reportedly seeking a $200 million contract extension and is fresh off a disappointing playoff performance. During the 2024 Playoffs, the Pelicans went up against the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. And with Zion Williamson out the entire series, expectations were that Ingram would step up and lead the team. Unfortunately for Ingram and the Pelicans, the forward did the exact opposite. In the four-game sweep, the former Los Angeles Lakers wing averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1 steal, and 1.3 blocks per game. Additionally, he shot an abysmal 34.5% from the field, including a 25% mark from beyond the arc.
Ingram is a good player and had a good regular season. However, with his contract demands and poor playoff performance, it could be a better idea for the Pelicans to trade Ingram than keep him around for the long haul.
The Pelicans May Have No Choice But to Keep Brandon Ingram
Although a trade could make sense for the Pelicans, it seems less that they are lacking trade partners. Last month, Ingram had been linked to the Sacramento Kings. However, the Kings ultimately landed Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan, essentially removing themselves from the Ingram sweepstakes. And according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, this has caused Ingram trade talks to stall.
“The Pelicans, league sources confirmed to Yahoo Sports, have not presented Brandon Ingram with an offer near his full maximum contract, and there does not appear to be a true option for Ingram to find that figure around the league now that Sacramento landed DeRozan.”
With the Jazz now in the picture, this could be New Orleans’ final chance to move on from the Duke alum.
