Brandon Ingram (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
In recent weeks, New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Brandon Ingram has emerged as one of the biggest names in recent NBA trade rumors.
The 26-year-old Brandon Ingram is entering the final season of a five-year contract extension worth $158 million that he signed in 2020. But it appears only to be a matter of time until he’s traded by the Pelicans.
According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs “have emerged as potential suitors” to trade for the veteran All-Star.
The former Duke star was traded to the Pelicans in the 2019 summer blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 2 pick of 2016 has averaged 23.1 points per game over his five seasons with the Pelicans.
The Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild, and it’s obvious that Wembanyama could use some support. With Brandon Ingram in his prime, it’s no wonder that the Spurs are reportedly eyeing him as a potential sidekick to Wembanyama.
Brandon Ingram in his first playoff appearance:
— 27.0 PPG
— 6.2 RPG
— 6.0 APG
— 58.4 TS%Took the stacked Phoenix Suns to 6 games without Zion. Now people call him a choker because of one injured series….
pic.twitter.com/hb80K8UQXJ— 𝙖𝙠𝙤𝙙𝙪⚜️ (@akoduzs) July 2, 2024
The Pelicans finished 49-33 last season and qualified for the playoffs, but they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round. Though Ingram, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson have formed an explosive scoring trio, one can argue that the Pelicans are overdue for a bit of a core shakeup after falling well short of their ultimate goal yet again.
Brandon Ingram Would Be The Ideal Pickup For Spurs
The rebuilding Spurs aren’t going to give away a king’s ransom for a veteran superstar to help Wembanyama now. But with Ingram entering his contract year, the 2020 All-Star shouldn’t cost all that much compared to other big-named players in trade talks.
Ingram would form a dynamic scoring tandem with Victor Wembanyama, giving Gregg Popovich and company a promising duo to build around for years to come. If the price is right, the Spurs should definitely try to make the trade.
