Most are expecting the New Orleans Pelicans to trade away star forward Brandon Ingram this offseason in hopes of competing with a different core around former No. 1 pick Zion Williamson.
Numerous teams will pick up the phone to offer a package for Ingram, especially if they're in need of scoring help. He averaged 20.8 points and 5.7 assists on 49.2% shooting in 64 games last season.
Here's a look at four of the top trade partners for Ingram:
1. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are in desperate need of a third star to pair alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey, as the tandem scraped just for the team to reach Round 1 of the postseason. Embiid's regular-season availability often impacts his playoff performances, which the Pelicans forward could assist with. Ingram crumbled in New Orleans' first-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, but it wouldn't have a heavy impact if Embiid and Maxey perform to their potential. Ingram was one of the Pelicans' primary offensive weapons against the Thunder, while he would see similar matchups and volume to Tobias Harris in Philadelphia.
2. Houston Rockets
Houston is one of the most exciting young teams in the association, loaded with talent including Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Alpren Sengun. Adding the experienced Ingram to the roster could complete their core, pushing them into the top-6 seeds in the West. It was reported Thursday that the Rockets rejected a deal moving Sengun to New Orleans, which is understandable considering the big man is coming off a career year. However, the Pelicans could be forced to accept a lesser offer if they hope to avoid Ingram walking for nothing in free agency the following year.
3. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks' front office has a heavy burden on their shoulders, holding the No. 1 pick along with two desirable guards, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. If they opt to remain loyal to their franchise player, swapping Murray and Ingram could make a real difference after seeing Young's failures with another star guard. Not to mention, the Hawks are expected to select a front court player if they stay at No. 1. Allowing Young to control the ball with Ingram as a compliment could result in another deep playoff run similar to 2021.
4. New York Knicks
It's a long shot, but the Knicks are always looking to pile star talent into the locker room. Jalen Brunson solidified himself as a superstar, and with the monumental amount of depth on the roster, a true No. 2 option is the lone missing piece. Forwards OG Anunoby and Julius Randle are nice compliments but lack the offensive consistency to contribute at a high level on a nightly basis. Anunoby has a player-option this offseason, meaning a sign-and-trade could make an exchange workout much easier.
