As the New Orleans Pelicans attempt to resolve the situation with Brandon Ingram, new intel sheds light on the reason why the star forward is still on the roster. On the heels of a report that trade talks involving Ingram had stalled, In The N.O.’s Shamit Dua reports that “the Pelicans and Jazz were deep in talks which were shut down by Ingram’s lack of desire to re-sign in Salt Lake City.”
There’s no mention of what makes Ingram resistant to the idea of re-signing with the Jazz. Nonetheless, this rumor is certainly worth dissecting.
Jazz Nearly Landed Pelicans Star Brandon Ingram In Splash Trade
A deal between the Pelicans and Jazz that was centered around Ingram might’ve looked like this:
Pelicans receive — John Collins, Brice Sensabaugh, 2029 second-round pick Jazz receive — Brandon Ingram
If so, New Orleans was set to receive some immediate cap relief, reducing their payroll by $6.8 million. Of course, they would’ve surrendered the most skilled player in this deal. Nonetheless, they’d have replaced him with one who plays a lot harder. It’s unclear whether John Collins would’ve been a starter for the Pelicans though.
Trading Ingram definitely opens up a hole at small forward. Yet, New Orleans could go in several directions in order to fill it.
Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III, both of whom have been coming off the bench this season, will be candidates. In fact, Jones was a key starter last season due to his defensive skills. Murphy, who is beloved by the organization, has often started in place of Ingram.
There’s a better chance for him to start at center. Yet, New Orleans is quite fond of springy rookie Yves Missi. With that being said, unless they slotted 6-foot-6 playmaker Zion Williamson at small forward, Collins is unlikely to man a spot in the first unit.
In the end, he may have become a bench piece for the Pelicans but an important one, especially with Williamson’s injury history.
Still In Limbo
The Jazz attempting to trade for Ingram is eye-opening.
Nobody can ever be too sure what Jazz CEO Danny Ainge is thinking. Well, aside from extracting maximum value during trade negotiations. Ahead of the 2024 offseason, Utah talked a big game about going “big game hunting.” However, they reportedly struck out on trades for Mikal Bridges and Paul George, who wound up with the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
After that, it was hard to tell whether the Jazz wanted to compete for a spot in the NBA playoffs or draft lottery. If they were just trying to acquire a player of Ingram’s caliber though, the plan is the former. Consequently, Utah shouldn’t just be seen as sellers at the trade deadline, but buyers.
Whatever his reasons are, Ingram didn’t want to re-sign with the Jazz. However, veterans like Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle may be more amenable to the idea. In fact, Grant is currently under contract for four more years. Randle, who has a family at home, likely desires stability.
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