NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Advised To Poach ‘Discounted’ Star To Aid Jalen Brunson Amid Julius Randle Speculations

With the New York Knicks at the top of trade rumors now, it seems like they can add another forward to their list. With Julius Randle’s future with the franchise on something of a shaky ground, it’s natural that speculations abound. His player option for 2025 doesn’t help much with his situation either. It is under such circumstances that the Fox Sports Radio podcaster has a word of advice for James Dolan. And it includes a younger New Orleans Pelicans power forward by the name of Brandon Ingram.

Talking about the situation of NYC in his latest episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast, with Hoops Tonight host, Jason Timpf, has an interesting proposition. “Brandon Ingram is kind of an interesting type of player. The one problem with him is, he’s had a lot of injury, but he’s probably going to be the discount option.” 

Except for his rookie season, Ingram has never played more than 64 games. As the 2023-24 season ended, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 35.5% from downtown and 49.2% from the field. Although these numbers might not be his best, considering the improvement he’s had in the previous seasons, his defensive versatility is something that many teams consider elite.

So much so that many analysts project he has a bigger market value than one of the hot names in trade recently, Trae Young. Not to mention, the Knicks are a fully developed team. They have all their pieces in place. So, they wouldn’t need Brandon Ingram to take the lead, which is something the Pelicans have done. On nights when their superstar Williamson is out, New Orleans turns to B.I. to step up to that role.

It works when he can do it, but that isn’t always the case with the 2020 MVP, is it?

“The culture is set”: Cowherd on why the Knicks would be okay even when Brandon Ingram ‘doesn’t show’

A disengaged Ingram is no surprise to his fans. There are days when the All-Star is draining shots down like crazy. But at other times, it’s the shell of a person he was. Distant and aloof. In fact, BR’s Mirin Fader described B.I. in 2019 as, “a 22-year-old with a 35-year-old soul.” Yet, this is something NYC wouldn’t have a problem with.

“I think the deficiencies with Ingram are okay because he’s covered by the Knicks,” Cowherd says. “What you think of him is. a skinny jeans, can give you 34 in any night, can be a little moody, sometimes kind of disengaged. But the team is the most engaged team in the league! … [So] the Knicks won’t need him every night. The culture is set [there].“

Regardless, when he does show, the viewers are left wondering why the 26-year-old is not an All-Defensive First-Teamer. Given how New York is looking to strengthen their roster in the offseason, the chances of such a deal seem less likely. Especially with so many options at their disposal.

What do you think of Brandon Ingram in a Knicks jersey? Will he be a good fit with the team? Or will injuries once again shorten his season? Let us know your thoughts below!