Trading Brandon Ingram Is The New Orleans Pelicans’ Top Priority

The New Orleans Pelicans are enduring one of their worst stretches in franchise history. Almost halfway through the 2024-25 NBA season, the Pelicans currently have a horrific 5-28 record.

Unfortunately, the overlapping theme of New Orleans’ entire rebuild attempt around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram is rearing its head again. The lack of availability from both of New Orleans’ young stars has caused their roster to flatline to this point, which opens up the real possibility of a rebuild.

After already being shopped throughout the summer, New Orleans is locked in on finding a trade soon for Ingram. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks, one of the Pelicans’ top priorities ahead of the February 6th trade deadline is to offload Ingram elsewhere.

Although he’s been out for weeks with a severe high ankle sprain, Ingram was producing his similar numbers averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists on a 56.0% true shooting percentage.

As has been the case for Ingram throughout his tenure in New Orleans, his strengths as a wing scorer show through on a consistent basis. And over the last few years, Ingram’s playmaking ability is developing to an above-average level as well.

For any team in need of a scoring punch and tertiary playmaking, Ingram would be the ideal target to pursue. However, Ingram’s looming free agency following failed extension talks with the Pelicans continues to put roadblocks in place for exploratory trade talks.

Ingram’s market remains dormant, as New Orleans would have traded him anytime when a good offer presented itself, but this could reignite discussions around the Association.

New Orleans is one of the most intriguing teams to monitor in the trade market over the next six weeks, especially as it relates to Ingram’s murky future with the franchise. Not only could Ingram be on the move, but a full reset in the Bayou appears on the horizon.

This developing situation for Ingram could linger all the way up until February 6th. Due to his large $36 million expiring contract and desire for a lucrative long-term extension, which makes it tough for contenders to match due to various apron rules put into place, he might end up becoming a short-term rental for a potential title contender.

Would rolling the dice on a few months of Ingram be worth it for teams such as the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers? Those are the answers we will find out over time, especially as it relates to Ingram’s time in New Orleans coming to a disappointing finish before then.