5 Trade Offers For Brandon Ingram The New Orleans Pelicans Must Consider

The New Orleans Pelicans had their sights set on the playoffs, but the basketball gods had other plans. After missing out on the postseason and with Brandon Ingram not quite hitting the high notes as expected, it's time for some recalibration in the Big Easy. 

Ingram, despite being a talented player, might just be the puzzle piece they need to shuffle around to make some real magic happen. So, let's dive into the whirlpool of trade possibilities and see what could potentially transform the Pelicans' fortunes.

1. The Bucks Come In With A Great Offer

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Khris Middleton, MarJon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Brandon Ingram

The Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans find intriguing junctures in their journeys. After a disappointing playoff journey, the Bucks are looking to maintain their contender status in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, despite boasting exciting young talent, need a shake-up after missing out on the playoffs.

Khris Middleton, once a linchpin in Milwaukee's championship run, has seen his game undergo subtle shifts as he navigates his early 30s. While still a valuable contributor, his scoring output has slightly dipped compared to his prime years, averaging 15.1 points per game in the 2023-24 season. However, his playoff experience and versatility on both ends of the floor make him a coveted asset for any team eyeing postseason success.

On the other hand, MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson represent intriguing prospects for the Pelicans' future. Beauchamp, a promising young guard, has shown flashes of brilliance in the G League, demonstrating his scoring ability and defensive tenacity. Jackson, with his athleticism and defensive prowess, has the potential to develop into a valuable rotation player in the NBA.

For the Pelicans, this trade could offer a much-needed injection of veteran leadership and playoff experience in Khris Middleton. While Middleton may not be the high-flying scorer he once was, his ability to stretch the floor, create off the dribble, and defend multiple positions could mesh well with Zion Williamson's inside dominance. Additionally, acquiring promising young talents like Beauchamp and Jackson aligns with the Pelicans' goal of building for the future.

Accepting this trade would provide the Pelicans with immediate value in Middleton's veteran presence and skill set, addressing their need for playoff-tested talent. Furthermore, adding promising young prospects like Beauchamp and Jackson bolsters their long-term outlook, offering potential building blocks for sustained success. In essence, this trade presents a win-win scenario for the Pelicans, allowing them to simultaneously compete in the present while laying the groundwork for future prosperity.

2. A Fresh Start In Philadelphia

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, 2026 first-round swap pick

Philadelphia 76ers receive: Brandon Ingram

Facing an offseason dilemma with $60 million in cap space and the need to renew key players like Tyrese Maxey after an early playoff exit, the 76ers are in a position to shuffle their roster significantly. Their primary target, Paul George, might stay with the Clippers, prompting them to consider other options.

Brandon Ingram emerges as an ideal candidate, providing a significant upgrade over Tobias Harris as a scoring wing. Ingram, with his 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game this season, offers versatility and a dynamic offensive skill set that Harris, despite his solid contribution of 17.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, doesn't match. The proposed trade includes a sign-and-trade for Harris, coupled with sharpshooter Buddy Hield, who has impressed with 12.1 points per game and a 39.4% success rate from three-point territory.

This trade offers the Pelicans a chance to reconfigure their roster by adding depth and experience. Tobias Harris would bring consistent scoring and rebounding, while Buddy Hield's elite three-point shooting could open up new dimensions in their offensive setups. Moreover, acquiring a 2026 first-round swap pick gives the Pelicans an additional strategic asset for future transactions or draft selections.

This deal presents a strategic pivot for both teams. The 76ers would secure a younger, prolific scorer in Ingram who can elevate their wing play significantly. On the other hand, the Pelicans would not only fill the void left by Ingram with competent veterans but also gain a future draft pick, enhancing their rebuild or retooling efforts. This trade aligns with the immediate and future goals of both franchises, promising a better fit for all players involved.

3. The Cavs Find An Extra Wing Scorer

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus

Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Brandon Ingram

The Cavaliers are on the hunt for additional scoring prowess on the wing to complement their core, particularly after a season where they fell just short of their playoff aspirations, losing 4-1 to the Boston Celtics in the Conference Semifinals. Brandon Ingram fits perfectly into this role. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor would provide Cleveland with a much-needed offensive boost alongside their existing young talents.

In return for Ingram, the Pelicans would receive center Jarrett Allen and wing Isaac Okoro, two players who could help fortify their defense. Jarrett Allen, known for his presence in the paint, averaged a robust 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this season, providing strong interior defense and efficient scoring around the rim. Isaac Okoro, while still developing offensively, contributed significantly on the defensive end and has shown potential to grow into a more rounded player.

This trade would address key needs for both teams. The Cavaliers acquire a high-caliber scorer in Ingram who can take their offensive game to the next level, possibly pushing them deeper into the playoffs. For the Pelicans, Allen offers a commanding presence inside, which could be pivotal given their defensive struggles, while Okoro provides youthful energy and defensive prowess on the wing. This move strategically bolsters the roster for New Orleans, focusing on enhancing their defensive capabilities while maintaining a balanced offensive attack.

4. Ingram Could End Up In Brooklyn

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson

Brooklyn Nets receive: Brandon Ingram

The addition of Brandon Ingram, who scored an average of 20.8 points per game in the 2023-2024 season, not only addresses Brooklyn's immediate need for a high-caliber scorer but also provides them with a versatile forward capable of playing multiple roles. Ingram’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with his 5.7 assists per game, indicates his potential to significantly enhance the Nets' offensive dynamics, especially in creating opportunities for teammates. His presence could serve as a cornerstone for rebuilding a more competitive team structure, aiming to transform the Nets from a below-.500 team into a playoff contender.

Receiving Cam Thomas, who emerged as a strong scoring option with 22.5 points per game, might initially seem like a horizontal move in terms of offensive output. However, the addition of Dorian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson could strategically shift the Pelicans’ focus towards strengthening their defensive and perimeter play.

Both players are recognized for their defensive acumen and three-point shooting, which could be crucial in tightening the Pelicans' defense and enhancing their spatial dynamics on the court. This trade could therefore represent a strategic pivot, focusing on defensive solidity and shooting efficiency to support Zion Williamson's inside game.

This proposal would potentially allow both teams to address critical needs and realign their strategies for future competitiveness. The Nets would gain a potential franchise player in Ingram, while the Pelicans could deepen their roster with versatile, defensive-minded players, setting a foundation for a more balanced and resilient team approach.

5. The Pacers Go All-In For Ingram

New Orleans Pelicans receive: Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Isaiah Jackson, 2028 first-round pick

Indiana Pacers receive: Brandon Ingram

The Pacers are building a strong core with a notable mix of youth and experience, focusing on making a significant push in the playoffs as they reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals this season. Adding Brandon Ingram would inject a high-caliber, versatile scorer into their lineup. This move aligns with their ambitions to compete at a higher level in the Eastern Conference, especially given Ingram’s proven ability to impact games on both ends of the floor.

In exchange for Ingram, the Pelicans would acquire a set of promising young players. Bennedict Mathurin, in his second NBA season, showed his scoring potential with averages of 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Aaron Nesmith and Isaiah Jackson would add depth and defensive capabilities. Nesmith is known for his perimeter defense, while Jackson provides athleticism and potential as a shot-blocker inside. The inclusion of a 2028 first-round pick offers additional long-term value, providing the Pelicans with more assets for their rebuilding efforts.

In essence, this trade is about timing and trajectory. The Pacers, aiming to leverage their current assets and playoff potential, would be adding a proven talent who can elevate their team's performance immediately. Conversely, the Pelicans would be investing in the future, gathering assets that promise growth and flexibility.

This strategic divergence reflects the differing priorities of each team: immediate impact and championship aspirations for the Pacers, versus long-term asset accumulation and talent development for the Pelicans. This deal could mark a significant pivot point for both franchises, setting their courses for the coming seasons in the NBA.