NBA Rumors: Brandon Ingram Seen as 'Most Likely' Pelicans Trade Candidate by Execs

Brandon Ingram is reportedly seen as the "most likely" trade candidate as the New Orleans Pelicans explore options to improve their roster this summer.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported rival executives do not believe Ingram fits well long term with Zion Williamson and is a "prime candidate" to be on the move.

The Pelicans posted their best record since their rebrand in 2013 at 49-33 during the regular season but were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin hinted at changes coming to the roster this summer at his end-of-season press conference.

"In the past, we've always erred on the side of continuity, and our takeaway has always been, 'Let's see this group healthy.' I think we've seen it enough," Griffin said. "This is not going to be a summer of complacency. It's time to get better."

William Guillory of The Athletic reported Zion Williamson re-established himself as the Pelicans' franchise face this season, taking on a more vocal role as a leader and integrating himself more with teammates.

Ingram, by contrast, reportedly grew frustrated with his role as the season moved on. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Ingram and coach Willie Green got into a spat during the first round. While it was categorized as minor, it's of little surprise that Ingram would be the first name considered for a potential shake up.

Ingram was an All-Star and named the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2020, but he's done little to improve since. His season-by-season splits are virtually identical over the last five years, and he's watched former contemporaries blow past him by leaps and bounds. It's not too long ago that some believed Ingram would be a better player than Jayson Tatum.

Ingram has instead settled into a middle ground as a good-but-not-great player, and it's understandable that the Pelicans would want to shake things up.