NBA Trade Rumors: Brandon Ingram Expected to Be 'Aggressively' Shopped by Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly expected to "aggressively explore" a trade for forward Brandon Ingram this offseason, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

"Sure to be a popular topic in Chicago this coming week as front office executives, scouts, coaches and agents gather for the usual pre-draft frenzy of on-court drills, measurements, scrimmaging and interviews with prospective draftees: A growing belief leaguewide that Pelicans will aggressively explore the trade market for Brandon Ingram before next season," Stein wrote.

According to Stein, New Orleans executive president of basketball operations David Griffin "all but promised" the Pelicans will be looking to make a handful of trades this summer—one of which could include Ingram.

The news comes following the Pelicans' first-round exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Stein noted that there have been "fit concerns" surrounding the trio of Ingram, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson.

Stein also reported that the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic have been linked to Ingram.

Ingram's production decreased in 2023-24 as he averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, and he struggled in the first-round loss against the Thunder. He averaged just 14.3 points per game and had a miserable eight-point, 2-of-14 shooting performance in the season-ending Game 4.

That lackluster performance could hurt his trade value as New Orleans looks to deal him.

Ingram is also entering the final year of a five-year, $158.253 million contract, adding another element that could make it hard for the Pelicans to get a good return in a deal. If Ingram is traded, the team receiving him has no guarantee he will be back the following season given that he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

But as Stein reported, he is already gaining interest around the league several weeks before the end of the season. Ingram could be the missing piece on several different teams looking to contend for a Finals next season, so the Pelicans might end up with a solid haul.

New Orleans notched its highest win total since 2008-09 in 2023, finishing the year 49-33 before the first-round exit. The Pelicans are looking to capitalize on Williamson while he is in the early years of his prime, and that could start with a few trades.

It appears New Orleans will look to get some pieces around him this offseason from a trade involving Ingram.