Report: Western Conference star to be ‘aggressively’ shopped in trade talks

Several NBA teams are expected to pursue the possibility of adding a star via trade this offseason, and it sounds like one notable Western Conference player will be available.

NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote on Sunday that the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to “aggressively explore the trade market” for star swingman Brandon Ingram. Stein notes that Pelicans president of basketball operations David Griffin has concerns about how the team’s top trio of Ingram, Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum fit together. Those questions only grew after New Orleans was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the playoffs.

Three playoff teams — the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic — are said to have interest in Ingram. The Atlanta Hawks may also give the former No. 2 overall pick a look.

Ingram averaged 20.8 points per game this season, which was his lowest total since he joined the Pelicans in 2019. He averages 19.4 points and 5.2 rebounds for his career.

The trade market for Ingram will likely depend on the price. There will be no shortage of interest in a 26-year-old player who is a proven scorer, but Ingram is not going to be the centerpiece of a team. The Pelicans will have to be realistic with their demands if they truly want to move Ingram.