NBA Executive Linked Surprise Star To Lakers In Trade Rumors

The New Orleans Pelicans are facing an underachieving NBA season, and All-Star Brandon Ingram‘s future with the team is uncertain. Ingram’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers is also considered a possibility.

Ingram averaged just 14.3 points per game in the playoffs, with declines in points, rebounds, assists, and 3-point percentage during the regular season. The Pelicans had a better net rating with Ingram on the bench (+4.9) than on the court (+4), raising questions about his value to the team.

Despite trade rumors, the Pelicans face significant financial challenges in balancing their roster. With upcoming contract extensions and limited cap space, the team must make tough decisions to optimize their roster.

According to an Eastern Conference general manager telling Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, “Brandon as a third option with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it certainly makes them better, it gets them back to being a contender, or at least in that orbit”

The Pelicans are considering trading Ingram to optimize their roster and financial flexibility. Potential landing spots for Ingram include teams like Cleveland, Atlanta, Houston, and Detroit. Ingram’s trade to the Lakers is also a possibility, with an anonymous Eastern Conference general manager believing it’s “an idea, if they’re willing to take the chance.”

Following the 2019 season, Ingram was traded to the Pelicans for All-Star big man Anthony Davis but the team has yet to achieve much tangible success with frequent injury concerns to him and Zion Williamson.

Despite a down year, Ingram’s talent and potential make him a valuable trade piece. As the Pelicans look to regroup and rebuild, Ingram’s future in New Orleans remains uncertain.