The New Orleans Pelicans had another disappointing first-round exit this season, getting swept by the Thunder. While it was a slight (really slight) improvement over getting bounced by that same OKC team in the Play-In games the previous seasons, it was still a significant bummer.
Now, there's talk around the league that the Pels are looking to move on from Brandon Ingram, one of the key parts of the Anthony Davis trade, as he enters the final year of his five-year deal signed in 2020.
Personally, I'm against the move, as Ingram is a good player who has shown a desire to be in New Orleans, something that can't be said for everyone. But, they seem to be committed, for better or worse, to hoping that Zion Williamson can not break for a whole NBA season (a task he failed to complete for yet another season, getting hurt in the Play-In and not getting to see any action in their first round matchup with the 1st seeded Thunder), and building around the former 1st overall pick.
So, here are some options for the Pels if they want to deal the former Duke forward.
Option 1: The Minnesota Timberwolves for One of Their Bigs
This is a sort of quirky, weird deal that might be a non-starter, as Minnesota is coming off an incredibly successful 2024 campaign. Why would they trade from that roster, especially a talented big man like Karl Anthony-Towns, who can space the floor and play capable defense?
Well, Brandon Ingram offers another ball-handling scoring threat from the perimeter to pair with Anthony Edwards, and it gives the Wolves a chance to slide Jaden McDaniels to the four instead of running a sometimes awkwardly oversized lineup.
If the Pels include their first-rounder from this season, that might complete this deal. Maybe the Wolves need one of their talented young players, like Dyson Daniels or Jordan Hawkins. Regardless, this is a deal that makes sense for both sides if they see a change is needed.
2. The Detroit Pistons for...Something
The Detroit Pistons recently hired away the Pels' now-former GM, Trajan Langdon, for their President of Basketball Operations role.
He's got a long road ahead of him if he wants to build a winner, but Brandon Ingram gives them a bit of a boost and a nice complimentary scorer for the uber-talented guard, Mr. Cunningham.
If I were Pels POBO David Griffin, a big key for me would be getting Jalen Duren in this deal and going from there. If the Pistons only want to include him, OK, I'd take it, but if the Pistons chip in their own pick this year in a swap for the Pelicans to move up into the top 5 of a bit of a tough draft, I wouldn't mind that either. Other than Duren, there's not much I'd see as attractive for Detroit.
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