USA Today via Reuters
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives around New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 21, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives around New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) during the fourth quarter of game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Former NBA All-Star and the Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has been expected to be traded this summer. The 26-year-old struggled last season against opponents in the playoffs, averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the playoffs. Such underwhelming performances have most probably led to his journey to a possible end. As per Bovada, the Orlando Magic have got the best odds to recruit Brandon Ingram into their roster this summer.
The former Lakers forward might be a great addition to Magic, considering his 3P-shooting skill. However, he did not just fit well at the Pelicans with their star player, Zion Williamson. In the absence of Zion, the second string needed to perform well, but Ingram did not perform well in the playoffs. However, his regular season performance stats were a bit better as he averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
The Orlando Magic are the favorites to land Brandon Ingram, per @BovadaOfficial
Orlando Magic: +300
Atlanta Hawks: +400
Sacramento Kings: +750
Cleveland Cavaliers: +750
Philadelphia 76ers: +800
Phoenix Suns: +1000
San Antonio Spurs: +1000
New York Knicks: +1200
Miami Heat:… pic.twitter.com/5k8j2SbP93— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 11, 2024
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Ingram’s addition to the Orleans did not bring that balance and output that David Griffin demanded. On the other hand, Zion kept delivering career-high performances this year. Therefore, the Pelicans have to trade Ingram and CJ McCollum to increase their usage rate. Apart from their star player, Williamson, the former two bag most of the money from the franchise.
How will the Orlando Magic benefit from the Brandon Ingram trade?
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The Magic has a good offensive player in the form of prospect, Paolo Banchero. However, he could not get support from his fellow Magic forward, Franz Wagner. Even in their last playoff game against the Cavs, Banchero scored 38 points, while Wagner only got 6 points by scoring the baskets. In such circumstances, Brandon Ingram will be a great addition to the Magic team.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) reacts after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
In contrast to the Ingram-Williamson pair, his duo with Paolo Banchero is much more balanced and dynamic. Ingram’s ability to be a great hooper and versatility to adapt to both ends will be the missing piece for the Magic’s anticipated competitive team. Nevertheless, the setback that the Orlando team suffered from Jonathan Issac’s injury and Jalen Suggs’ departure from the team had almost brought the team to its knees because of instability. Ingram will fill this loophole and also add depth to the team.
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Brandon’s duo on the defensive end with backup center Mo Wagner will strengthen the Magic’s defense while the offense will get more stable. With so many benefits, Ingram’s coming to the Orlando Magic roster will be a jackpot for them and help them build a fiercely deep team.
Will the Ingram trade lead the Magic team beyond the first round of playoffs next season?
