The Eastern Conference was already loaded with talent, and then the New York Knicks decided to shake up the landscape even further.
The Knicks made a stunning blockbuster trade on Friday evening, acquiring big man Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. New York parted with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo as the core of their package.
This out-of-nowhere upgrade for the Knicks begs the question of whether the Philadelphia 76ers need to make another substantial move.
While Utah Jazz stretch big man Lauri Markkanen was the ideal acquisition, his contract extension removes him from the equation. Instead, Philadelphia's front office could pursue Brandon Ingram, who is entering the final year of his contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
There are two major roadblocks with the Sixers acquiring Ingram.
Balancing the salary cap in a trade would not come as easy with Philadelphia's heavy amount of money split between their Big Three (Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George). Ingram is set to make roughly $36 million next season.
The second, and greater issue to consider, is that Ingram could potentially be a half-season rental. It's no secret the Pelicans wing is seeking more than $200 million in his next contract, a total likely not affordable from Philadelphia.
Fans did witness a half-season rental play out well in Pascal Siakam with the Indiana Pacers, however. The Pacers not only made a push to the Eastern Conference Finals but also retained him in free agency.
The upside of trading for Ingram is George isn't getting any younger. This is the 76ers' best chance to win a title in the Embiid era, and allowing the Knicks' roster to have an upper hand is not ideal. Not to mention, Philadelphia will also likely face the reigning champion Boston Celtics en route to the NBA Finals.
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