New Orleans Pelicans Expected to Trade Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram has been a solid contributor for the New Orleans Pelicans since he was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the blockbuster Anthony Davis deal. But, his time with the franchise could be coming to an end.

After being swept in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, it sounds like the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to make some big changes this upcoming offseason. Wanting to rebuild the roster around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram is a player who could be on the move.

“Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is considered the most likely player to be traded by rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype. Those executives believe the fit with Ingram and Zion isn’t ideal on the court,” per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

One of the reasons that Brandon Ingram could be on the move is Trey Murphy. The first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Virginia, Murphy is in line for a massive extension this summer that could approach $100 million. That isn’t a price New Orleans is going to pay while retaining Ingram.

With a ready-made replacement in Murphy already on the roster, trading Ingram is a little easier to swallow. The Pelicans can also expand the role of Herb Jones before even taking into consideration the players they would get back in exchange for a package centered around Ingram.

In his five seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram has averaged 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He has point-forward skills and the ability to be a multi-positional defender. His market should be a relatively strong one given how few teams are projected to have cap space this summer.