As of now, it’s safe to say that the New Orleans Pelicans are just unlucky! The team managed to rope in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson together ahead of the 2019-20 season. The then-three-season experienced forward lived up to his expectations but Zion, the No.1 Pick rookie sensation, just bundled out with injury after injury. After toying with the duo for four seasons, the Pelicans have finally decided to move on. However, the trade scenario doesn’t seem to be in their favor either, leaving them between a rock and a hard place.

While many expected the Pels to part ways with Ingram in the 2024 offseason, the team went ahead with him. But weeks into the season, the 27-year-old’s name constantly peaked in the trade city. Averaging above 20 ppg over the last 5 seasons, the 6 ‘8 big man is indeed a great asset for any team. But his tale in New Orleans is entirely different.

Despite the talent Brandon Ingram possesses, the star doesn’t seem to get any traction at the trade city, as per NBA Insider Evan Sidery. He added, “No teams have shown significant interest in Ingram since the offseason,” via X. Moreover, he also pointed out that the big man’s contract value was the major roadblock. Currently, Ingram is in the last year of his $158 million 5-year contract and the team owes him $36 million and that seems to be the deal breaker.

It’s tough for a team to gamble with a player worth $36M. Nevertheless, the Pels seem desperate as an ESPN report revealed that finding a trade for Brandon Ingram is the “Priority“ for the front office. Playing in the last year of the contract, the team hasn’t extended his contract as well.

Meanwhile, what’s the team’s stance on Zion Williamson?

Amid Brandon Ingram’s uncertainty, what does Williamson’s future look like?

One of the biggest disappointments of this season will be Zion Williamson‘s injury absence. However, the season isn’t over yet. We could witness him anytime soon. But the team’s championship aspiration is already crushed as they currently stand in the 15th seed and have a 5-25 record.

Last season, Zion managed to play 70 games, most in his career. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury during the Play-In tournament, which ruled him out of the postseason and ultimately cut short the team’s postseason run. So, it’s quite surprising that the rising star hasn’t played a single playoff game in his career yet. During the 2024 offseason, a photo of a trim and fit Zion circulated the NBA world. It gave hope to the Pels fans, but it was soon tarnished after he suffered the hamstring injury 6 games into the season.

Currently, the team has listed him out for action and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Moreover, he is expected to return anytime soon. On the other hand, regarding his future, a source told ESPN that the team will ” ramp him up and create value for him” but it will also decide whether the star will stay with the side or will be traded to another team after that.

So, as of now, fans can expect Zion Williamson to hang around in the Pels’ fold.