The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a crossroads, facing tough decisions about the future of their roster. One question looming large is whether the team should consider building around Brandon Ingram. While it’s an intriguing proposition, the answer may be more straightforward than it appears.
Ingram has shown flashes of brilliance and has expressed his desire to stay in New Orleans. However, there are several factors that make building around him a challenging prospect. First and foremost, Ingram hasn’t consistently demonstrated that he can be a true number one option on a contending team. His shot profile, particularly his reluctance to take a high volume of three-pointers, presents challenges in today’s NBA.
Additionally, Ingram’s injury history raises concerns about his long-term reliability. He’s only played over 70 games once in his NBA career, and that was during his rookie season. While his defensive play has improved since joining the Pelicans, it’s still not at an elite level.
The financial implications of building around Ingram are also significant. He’s likely seeking a max contract extension, which could amount to around $200 million. That’s a hefty price tag for a player who may not be a true franchise cornerstone.
When comparing Ingram to Zion Williamson, the decision becomes clearer. Despite Williamson’s own injury concerns, he offers higher upside potential and is under team control on a more favorable contract. Williamson’s deal includes opt-outs, providing the team with flexibility if things don’t work out.
Trade Priorities
Given these considerations, it’s worth exploring trade options for certain players. The priority list for potential trades should be:
1. CJ McCollum
2. Brandon Ingram
3. Zion Williamson
McCollum’s contract situation makes him the most logical trade candidate. Moving him could help the team get under the luxury tax line this season and provide more financial flexibility for the future. This could potentially open up opportunities to retain Ingram on a more team-friendly deal or explore other roster-building options.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ roster decisions, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Ranking Ingram, McCollum, and Williamson in trade priority
• Potential trade scenarios with the San Antonio Spurs
• Upcoming guest appearance by Will Guillory from The Athletic
