New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Pelicans forward expected to be traded this summer

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/10/24

The Pelicans finally got to see what a season with a fully healthy Zion Williamson looks like. So, their next step will likely be attempting to retool their roster to get the best out of their powerful young star. However, that means that some players could be on their way out of New Orleans.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Brandon Ingram could be one of those players traded during the summer.

“Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is considered the most likely player to be traded by rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype," Scotto reported. "Those executives believe the fit with Ingram and Zion isn’t ideal on the court.”

Reporting on Pelicans star Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram trade possibilities, CJ McCollum’s future, free agency for Jonas Valanciunas, a possible Trey Murphy extension, Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall, and more with @WillGuillory on the @hoopshype podcast. https://t.co/kdPfKK6WBv
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 10, 2024

Ingram struggled as the Pelicans were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the playoffs. He averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 36.2% from two-point range and 25% from three-point distance. All of those numbers were significantly down from what he had produced during the regular season.

The Pelicans need stars who rise to the occasion. If they want to construct a championship team, their secondary and tertiary options must emerge as leaders if or when Williamson is off the floor. Ingram shrank under that responsibility.

He'll still have multiple teams interested in his services. Ingram is a proven commodity as a scoring wing and could thrive in a different system with additional spacing. The fit with Williamson is clearly not ideal for either player. It makes sense for the Pelicans to explore their options.

Whatever the Pelicans decide to do during the offseason, figuring out how to get the best out of Williamson will be at the top of that list. If that means Ingram needs to go, that will undoubtedly become a priority.

Williamson finally proved he could help lead the franchise toward a championship. The front office now owes it to itself to try to make that happen.

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