New Orleans Pelicans ahead Brandon Ingram is without doubt one of the gamers many individuals anticipate to see a transfer throughout the 2024-25 NBA season.
His identify has been talked about in commerce rumors for months, relationship again to the 2024 NBA Draft. Eligible for a contract extension, the cap-conscious Pelicans had been hesitant to present him the long-term contract he’s searching for.
Not solely are they far aside on the numbers, however committing cash to him long-term in all probability does not match into their plans. He is a proficient participant, however his expertise not match the roster.
Sadly, its industrial market is virtually non-existent. For a similar causes that New Orleans is hesitant to signal him to a long-term deal, the identical goes for different groups within the league.
However, Bleacher’s Grant Hughes Report believes the Charlotte Hornets are a workforce that would put the previous No. 2 decide on the prime of their commerce want checklist initially of the season.
“When on the lookout for groups that will think about giving Ingram the $200 million extension he covets, the Hornets stand out as an actual possibility. They’ve the hometown angle to play with the most effective highschool gamers to return out of North Carolina in years, one who additionally grew up supporting Duke,” the NBA professional wrote.
What might a deal between the 2 groups appear like? A easy framework that matches financially and meets the wants of each groups is for Ingram to go to Charlotte in alternate for Miles Bridges and Nick Richards.
Some compensation for draft picks ought to in all probability be despatched again to the Pelicans, however nothing too excessive; perhaps a protected first spherical decide might get the job accomplished.
Any deal involving Bridges cannot be accomplished till after Dec. 15 as a result of he was signed this offseason.
His skillset higher matches New Orleans’ present core as a prepared and considerably succesful 3-point shooter; he made 34.7 % of his makes an attempt throughout his profession. Bringing him off the bench as the focus of the offensive assault would additionally jump-start their second unit.
Given his expertise as a go-to possibility, he may be capable of torch opposing benches on a nightly foundation and supply the workforce with an elite Zion Williamson contingency plan.
Richards additionally fills the most important void on the roster at middle. That might be about nearly as good when it comes to worth because the Pelicans might afford in alternate for Ingram, and something is healthier than watching him stroll for nothing in free company.
