If the Pelicans decide to trade Brandon Ingram, they need to get a play-making guard in return, writes Christian Clark of NOLA.com. Clark points out that Ingram has led the team in assists the past two years, including 5.7 in 64 games this season. With no clear choice to set up the offense, Clark believes New Orleans will have to insist on a creator in any Ingram deal.
Zion Williamson has helped in that area, but Clark notes that his susceptibility to injury — and the inability of the Pelicans’ offense to function without him — makes it too risky to not have a strong lead guard. The offense was among the NBA’s worst after Williamson’s hamstring injury last season, Clark adds, and his absence in this year’s playoffs left the team unable to top 92 points in any game while being swept in the first round.
The Pelicans had trade talks with the Hawks and Cavaliers before the February deadline, according to Clark, who expects negotiations to resume this summer. There are rumors that Atlanta wants to break up its Trae Young–Dejounte Murray backcourt, while Cleveland might be open to parting with Darius Garland if Donovan Mitchell agrees to an extension. Any of those players could be the basis for an Ingram deal.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- In a separate story, Clark examines the possibility that the Pelicans will take a center in this year’s draft. New Orleans will have the 21st selection after deferring a pick from the Lakers until next year. Clark views Baylor’s Yves Missi, Indiana’s Kel’el Ware and Dayton’s DaRon Holmes as viable big man options at that stage of the draft.
- Nikola Topic could be the ideal point guard to team with Victor Wembanyama, Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News states in a Spurs draft preview. Topic is considered the best passer in the draft, especially out of the pick and roll, and at 6’6″ he would bring some needed size to San Antonio’s backcourt. On the downside, he has never shot better than 30% from three-point range in a season and has hurt his right knee twice since January. If the Spurs opt for Topic with the fourth pick, McDonald expects them to target a shooter at No. 8.
- Michael Shapiro of The Houston Chronicle looks at how Donovan Clingan might fit alongside Alperen Sengun if the Rockets take the Connecticut center with the third pick. Clingan would bring a much stronger defensive presence in the middle, but there are questions about whether he or Sengun can ever space the floor well enough to make the pairing work.
If the Pels want a playmaker in return for Ingram they literally can’t do any better than Trae Young. He’s a top3 playmaker in the league & Zion has made it clear that he wants to play with Trae.
If I’m the pels, it’s Murray I want, not Trae. They already have an undersized defensive liability in the backcourt with McCollum. Add Trae, woof. They will need to drop 150 per night
I agree Murray ….
And it would have to be more than Murray.
While I agree, I think the Hawks are leaning towards Murray, so it seems like Trae will be the guy. It’s not a bad trade at all, and while I agree a backcourt of Trae and CJ will be one of the worst defensively, I think they can make some adjustments there. Like, bring in CJ as a 6th man (an expensive one though), and start Murphy and Jones at 2 and 3, and bring in a better defensive center (like Capela or someone like him). At least that could solidify their D somewhat and keep them middle of the pack, while improving their O
Highly likely
Rockets will trade the 3rd pick before the draft
3, Jalen Green and filler to Nets for Bridges
Overprice for Bridges
Warriors swept Rockets this season
It means Rockets need to trade the picks to make playoffs next season
Grizzlies are one of the top 4 seeds
grizzlies are a play in team unless they make some big moves this offseason. they need a center and a PG to take pressure off Morant.
Nah when Ja was healthy they were as good as ever. He is that team. Heliocentric as it gets but top notch.
Why do you post here? Every take I see of yours is awful.
You are still hated in Philly.
NOP FO has to get it right this offseason. The pieces and assets to build a contender have been there for awhile, but the combination of the disjointed roster and injuries have reduced them to a borderline playoff team. There has been some wear and tear on the asset base, but there is still enough there to reset the roster for the next 5 years. Garland or Murray would be a great step toward that. In any event, they should stay clear of Trae Young. This team desperately needs an identity that’s both apart from, and complementary to, Zion’s unique skill set. That has to focus on the defensive end of the court.
Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Jake L and the 9th pick for Brandon Ingram and EJ Liddel. Works for both teams. Both teams need a C. Memphis trade GG Jackson and something for a starting C
NOP signs Drummond one year and hopefully can draft Clingan