After a dip in the last post-season, Brandon Ingram’s trade boat is sailing deep into the offseason without any offering winds. With a handful of interested teams like the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs, Ingram is now in a puddle stuck with the New Orleans Pelicans, And the Pelicans have too many stars to carry this season when it comes to their roster, the 2019 #1 pick Zion Williamson, newly acquired trade candidate Dejounte Murray along with CJ McCollum. With so many players who need the ball and hard-capped, the Pelicans might not offer the demanded $200 million to Ingram; it seems the market is too cool to settle with him as ESPN insider Tim MacMahon revealed recently.

While appearing on ‘The Lowe Post’ with host Zach Lowe, Tim pointed out the potential sightings of a trade earlier with Brandon Ingram, “The only thing that I had heard about Ingram was this before Sacramento got DeRozan, some sort of three way thing where he landed in Sacramento and Jarrett Allen landed in New Orleans.” The 2022 NBA All-Star center from the Cleveland Cavaliers could have been a great fit for the Pelicans. However, the Cavs coach, Kevin Atkinson, made it quite clear to keep his core together. And he remained adamant on it since the ESPN insider added, “That one isn’t happening. Sounds like Jarrett Allen is not going anywhere.”

However, after omitting the last hope of a change for Ingram, Tim MacMahon delivered the judgment for the 26-year-old’s fate when he said, “The market is very chilly on Brandon Ingram because some of the same reasons as Pelicans don’t seem him as part of their long term plans. …I can’t find any kind of buzz on a realistic Ingram right now and I think it’s going to be difficult for the Pelicans.”

As the chat headed toward culmination, Zach Lowe went through all potential sites one by one, eliminating any possibility of a trade as he added, “Atlanta just made a trade with the Pelicans and did not get Brandon Ingram, Charlotte has Brandon Miller and kind of taken the long view and Sacramento just pulled themselves out of it. The Bulls I don’t really see it. The Warriors… he’s just not a great fit with the Warriors system. …If I were the Jazz, I just wouldn’t do it.”

Though it seems Ingram’s dream of $50 million/year is over, they were expected to fulfill it when there were speculations about the Pelicans in pursuit of the Nets star Mikal Bridges. But unfortunately, the New York Knicks signed and traded him for a lot of picks and Bojan Bogdanovic.

Although the chances are dim, what can the Pelicans do to get rid of Brandon Ingram, landing him at a palace that meets his financial demands? Also, why is Brandon Ingram not needed anymore from the league?

Brandon Ingram trade market collapse and potential recoveries

No doubt Ingram is an excellent player as he averaged 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the 2022-23. However, his value is not the same as it was a year ago. Last season, he only averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. Superstars usually prove their worth in the clutch moments of the postseason. But Ingram did not deliver there as well averaging only 14.3 points on 34.5 field goal percentage. That’s why the teams are not ready to spend the kind of maximum money that they want.

Further, Tim MacMahon pointed out another loophole regarding his versatility as he said, “He needs the balls in his hands; he is not a floor spacing type of guy.” That’s what is troubling the Pelicans since Ingram does not play catch and shoot, as his 3P% last season was 35.5. On top of that, his passing is not that on an exceptional level.

Coming to the way out of it, the only ideal scenario that ESPN’s Tim could imagine was to “turn Brandon Ingram into a quality starting center.” But it is easier said than done since it will need Ingram to change his whole style of play over a long period of time. With trade season sinking to the bottom, can the Pelicans devise a strategy considering their present condition? Let us know in the comments.

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