There was a time in which trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, a move ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggests the Atlanta Hawks could make, would’ve been sensible. Specifically, when the Hawks were canvassing the market, trying to gauge Trae Young and Dejounte Murray‘s value. At the time, Ingram sounded like the archetypal All-Star-caliber wing that could keep them in playoff contention, no matter who they traded.
Hawks Don’t Need To Trade For Pelicans Star Brandon Ingram
Whether coincidentally or ironically, Atlanta did end up making a trade with New Orleans. One that involved Murray. However, the Hawks didn’t acquire Ingram, as most people would have expected.
.@WindhorstESPN gives the latest update on trade talks surrounding De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram 🍿 pic.twitter.com/D7dGD1qtC7
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) January 31, 2025
Instead, they traded for a trade package headlined by Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels. At the time, it seemed like Atlanta would get more value from the draft compensation they received than the players. However, as luck would have it, Nance and Daniels have fit in as well as could be.
In fact, Daniels will likely be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, not just a potential All-Defensive team selection. His technique, mental acuity and physical tools have helped alter the Hawks trajectory and establish a defensive-minded identity. Nance, a versatile big man who truly thinks the game, has exceeded expectations as a three point threat. Though he’s only played 18 games, he’s made a career-high 45.0 percent of his threes while making his uusual universal impact.
Therein lies the problem.
Square Peg, Round Hole
The Hawks’ starting backcourt is set with Young and Daniels. However, if Atlanta did add a starting-caliber player at the trade deadline, it would make more sense to add someone who thrives off-ball.
Daniels, who’s more of a point-forward, can slide over to the 3. Yet, the Hawks have committed to Jalen Johnson, another player in the point-forward mold. That gives Atlanta three players –Young, Daniels, and Johnson –who are at their best with the ball in their hands. Two of those players, Daniels and Johnson, have yet to prove they’re reliable shooters from long-distance. They share that trait with Onyeka Okongwu, who has been promoted to the starting lineup.
That doesn’t make it impossible for Ingram to be comfortable in their first unit but it does make it unlikely. For starters, there are too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak. Furthermore, the paint could get clogged, which would make it harder for him to operate in his go-to spot; the midrange. Ultimately, in Atlanta, Ingram would be a square peg in a round hole.
Zach LaVine & Zaccharie Risacher
If the Hawks should be targeting anyone, it might need to be Chicago Bulls star wing Zach LaVine.
Not only is LaVine at his best shooting from downtown. Furthermore, with his contract set to expire in 2027, it allows Zaccharie Risacher to serve as his understudy for a couple of seasons. The rookie might morph into a key player down the line. He’s skilled, dynamic, a solid athlete and has a maturity that matches fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama. However, he’s raw.
While Atlanta molds him, they can put the pressure of helping lead a playoff team on an established talent. One that’s already proving he can help elevate a team in the Hawks’ situation.
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