At 49-33, the Pelicans failed to finish as one of the top six seeds in the West. Therefore, they had to fight for a playoff spot in the play-in tournament. New Orleans ended up earning the No. 8 seed and a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pelicans have been swept in four games and have some questions to answer this offseason.
One of them is what the Pelicans will do with veteran SF Braden Ingram. New Orleans traded Anthony Davis to the Lakers five seasons ago and received Brandon Ingram in return. The 26-year-old has spent the past five seasons with the Pelicans. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Pelicans are expected to “aggressively seek” a trade for Ingram this offseason.
Why is Brandon Ingram no longer a good fit for the New Orleans Pelicans?
A Brandon Ingram trade from the Pelicans is considered inevitable. @TheSteinLine
“League sources say Ingram’s exit is increasingly viewed as more inevitable than likely by various league observers… A handful of Eastern Conference teams (Philadelphia, Cleveland,… pic.twitter.com/GhdABfcIiT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 13, 2024
New Orleans president of basketball operations David Griffin said the team will likely make a move this offseason. A Brandon Ingram trade could be at the top of that list. The trio of Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum have not achieved the postseason success they had hoped for during their time together. They have lost in the first round of the playoffs in two of the last three postseasons. Something needs to change and the team will evaluate the roster. Is Brandon Ingram still valued by New Orleans?
Marc Stein also noted that several teams have already reported interest in Ingram. These include the 76ers, Cavaliers, Hawks, and Magic. Trading Ingram this offseason will be difficult. He is entering the final season of his expiring contract. If the team trades Ingram, there is no guarantee they will be able to secure him beyond the 2024-25 season. Additionally, Ingram’s trade value may have taken a hit after a disappointing performance in the 2024 postseason.
The Orlando Magic are the favorite to sign Brandon Ingram. @BovadaOfficial
Orlando Magic: +300
Atlanta Hawks: +400
Sacramento Kings: +750
Cleveland Cavaliers: +750
Philadelphia 76ers: +800
Phoenix Suns: +1000
San Antonio Spurs: +1000
New York Knicks: +1200
Miami Heat:… pic.twitter.com/5k8j2SbP93— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 11, 2024
His time with the Pelicans may be over, but Brandon Ingram still has a lot to offer to another team. Ingram turns 27 this offseason and will be entering the ninth season of his professional career. In 64 games for the Pelicans last season, Ingram averaged (20.8) points, (5.1) rebounds and (5.7) assists per game. Teams like the Orlando Magic could use his veteran production to help them advance to the next level in the playoffs. Where will Brandon Ingram play next season?
