New Orleans Pelicans

The Utah Jazz are reportedly among the teams interested in trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram.

Christian Clark of NOLA.com reported the Jazz would likely need to include center Walker Kessler in any trade given president of basketball operations David Griffin's desire to add defense to the Pelicans roster.

That likely wouldn't be a problem for Utah, but finding a sensible framework for a deal could be difficult. The Jazz could send over Kessler, John Collins and a combination of young players and picks for Ingram, but that's unlikely to move the needle for a Pelicans team looking to finally make a postseason splash.

Griffin has not gotten past the first round of the playoffs since his arrival in 2019 and is likely starting to feel the heat from ownership. He already improved the roster this summer by adding Dejounte Murray, and trading Ingram for young players and a flotsam contract in Collins would be contradictory.

New Orleans has been understandably hesitant to offer Ingram a maximum contract extension, but trading him for a lesser return doesn't make much sense, either. The Pels could get a similar return by waiting until the trade deadline to move Ingram, giving them time to see if he can bounce back to All-Star form.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the "sense" is Ingram will start the season in New Orleans.

Utah, meanwhile, is traversing a middle-of-the-road strategy that doesn't really serve the long-term interest of the franchise, either. Trading Lauri Markkanen for a sizable haul and getting into the Cooper Flagg lottery mix makes more sense than pairing Markkanen with Ingram, a duo destined to lead a 42-45-win team for the next half-decade.

There may be interest from Utah in buying low on Ingram, but the Pels should hold onto him if Kessler is the best piece they can get in return.

A Brandon Ingram trade may not happen anytime soon.

On The Lowe Post podcast on Friday, ESPN's Zach Lowe said the New Orleans Pelicans forward might not get the lucrative extension he is seeking and that team also may not be willing to trade him in the near future.

"I haven't really heard much buzz that the Pelicans are psyched about giving him that massive of an extension," Lowe said. "I also haven't heard much buzz, Tim Macmahon, about Brandon Ingram being traded anywhere imminently."

Ingram took a step back during the 2023-24 season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game as the Pelicans reached the first round of the playoffs. Still, he garnered interest from a handful of teams around the league throughout the summer, namely the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs.

But the market for Ingram cooled down just a few weeks into the offseason, as The Athletic's Shams Charania reported earlier in July that both the Kings and Spurs pivoted to other trade targets. Charania also noted that Ingram's trade market "is currently limited."

Ingram will be a free agent after this season, and he could walk if he doesn't get a favorable extension. The Pelicans will have to make a tough decision on whether to give Ingram a max deal, as they also have to think about stars like Zion Williamson and the newly acquired Dejounte Murray.

If Ingram can have a big year, he could prove that he's worth a lucrative deal either from New Orleans or another team. A rough showing in the postseason that saw him average 14.3 points on 34.5 percent from the field certainly didn't help his case going into the offseason.

The trade market for New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram "is currently limited," according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Charania cited the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs as teams that showed some interest in Ingram before pivoting to other targets.

Ingram is entering the last year of his contract, and the absence of an agreement with New Orleans is evidence of a continued divide with the Pels. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on July 11 that Ingram's believed to be angling for a four-year deal worth as much as $210 million. His demand is probably dissuading outside suitors from making a serious run at him, too.

"The Pelicans have made it clear that they won't go to those lengths to re-sign him and, while various teams have explored Ingram trades since the offseason began in earnest, no other team willing to sign the 26-year-old at those numbers has yet emerged ... with league sources saying that Ingram's camp has also joined the efforts to find one," Stein added.

Since arriving in New Orleans in 2019, Ingram is averaging 23.1 points on 47.2 percent shooting. His first season in the Big Easy saw him make an All-Star team and earn the Most Improved Player award. That's kind of where his game has plateaued, though, and his limitations are tough to ignore within the context of the fact he's due to get another contract.

Ingram hasn't made 70-plus appearances in a season since his rookie year in 2016-17. He has become more limited as a scorer, averaging just 3.8 three-point attempts per game in 2023-24. And the Pelicans have yet to get out of the first round with him as a leading figure.

The performance of the 6'8" forward in the 2024 postseason was particularly concerning. Going up against an elite defender in the Oklahoma City Thunder's Lu Dort, he averaged just 14.3 points on 34.5 percent shooting in a four-game sweep.

It's still too early to write off an Ingram trade before opening night. Damian Lillard's move to the Milwaukee Bucks didn't materialize until last September, and that's the same month in 2022 when the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Donovan Mitchell.

However, some movement in New Orleans' asking price and/or Ingram's contract demands might be required for a transaction to get across the finish line.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is reportedly seeking a four-year deal worth $208 million, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

"Ingram, with one All-Star appearance on his resume like Markkanen, has only one season left on his current contract and is said to be seeking a four-year contract extension worth nearly $210 million," Stein wrote. "The Pelicans have made it clear that they won't go to those lengths to re-sign him and, while various teams have explored Ingram trades since the offseason began in earnest, no other team willing to sign the 26-year-old at those numbers has yet emerged ... with league sources saying that Ingram's camp has also joined the efforts to find one."

Ingram, who has one year remaining on his four-year, $158.253 million contract, is eligible for a four-year, $208 million contract, though finding a team willing to give him such a lucrative deal might prove to be difficult.

Ingram, who will be 27 at the beginning of the season, averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds last year—all of those numbers down from the 2022-23 season.

The added motivation of seeking a large contract could give Ingram a push in his eighth NBA season, as he'd likely need to have a career year to get the contract he's seeking.

As Stein noted, a team willing to meet the contract requirements Ingram is looking for has yet to emerge. The Pelicans also explored trading him this offseason, but haven't found a suitor just yet.

Barring a breakout season from Ingram, he and his camp might have to be willing to settle for a less lucrative deal next offseason.

In the meantime, he'll look to continue helping the Pelicans push to be a perennial playoff contender. New Orleans has reached the postseason twice in the last three years but has yet to make it past the second round.

A fully healthy Pelicans squad seems capable of making a run in the postseason, but only time will tell if the team can finally get over the hump this year.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III was thrilled with the addition of point guard Dejounte Murray this offseason but knows the specter of a Brandon Ingram trade continues to linger this offseason.

"It's tough, and it's also a part of the business," Murphy said to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "Brandon's been unbelievable when it comes to being a role model, seeing how he works on a daily basis. He's always been there for me and coached me up. He does all the little things.

"I work out with him and spend time with him off the court. It's tough to potentially lose a brother like that, but it's part of the business, and sometimes it might be what's best for him."

Ingram has been a steady source of trade speculation as he approaches the last year of his contract. Now is the time for the Pelicans to either commit to the 26-year-old or decide he simply isn't a part of their long-term vision.

The 6'8" forward is also the best trade asset New Orleans has left after cashing in a lot of chips to land Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, an aggressive move that showed the team's ambition.

"It's great, especially because he brings a lot of offensive firepower to our team," Murphy said of the trade. "When you add a guy like that to a team, it's obviously going to be a lot better, so I'm happy to get him on our team."

Murphy is well aware, though, that the Pels' fortunes will rest squarely on the health of Zion Williamson.

"You get to see what a generational talent looks like with a healthy team. That's the biggest thing," he said to Scotto. "We've got to be healthy. That's always been our thing for my entire time in New Orleans. If we have a healthy team, I think we can make a deep run."

Williamson logged 70 appearances and averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 2023-24. New Orleans got swept in the first round in the playoffs, though, as the two-time All-Star was out due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the play-in tournament.

Calling the Pelicans a championship contender would be a stretch when they've yet to taste even the conference semifinals with their current core. But they could certainly challenge for the top six in the Western Conference if the stars align and Zion avoids the injuries that have followed him throughout his NBA career.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram was rumored to be a candidate to be traded earlier this offseason, and he reportedly is still available for the right price.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, New Orleans "remains very open to" trade discussions involving Ingram.

The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and will make $36 million during the 2024-25 campaign. William Guillory of The Athletic recently reported that there's still a chance that the Pelicans work out a contract extension for Infram, who is eligible for a max deal.

"Without an Ingram trade, the Pelicans would have to find some middle ground with their forward on an extension," Guillory stated. "There's some optimism within the building that the two sides could come to terms on a deal that makes each happy."

In 64 games this past season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He would be a strong addition to a contending team, but it would likely cost a lot to pry him away from the Pelicans.

Still, it appears that New Orleans could move the former All-Star if it receives a strong offer.

Brandon Ingram's time with the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly could wind up being extended.

William Guillory of The Athletic reported that the Pelicans and Ingram have "some optimism" on a potential extension getting done.

"Without an Ingram trade, the Pelicans would have to find some middle ground with their forward on an extension," Guillory wrote. "There's some optimism within the building that the two sides could come to terms on a deal that makes each happy."

Guillory reported that neither side wants to enter the preseason without an extension in place. Additionally, New Orleans doesn't want to lose the forward for nothing next offseason and would also prefer fair value in a trade over an underwhelming package at the deadline.

Ingram is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $36 million in 2024-25. He is eligible for a max extension, but Guillory reported that the Pelicans are hesitant to allocate that to Ingram, which has caused the current disparity.

Ingram went 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 64 games in 2023-24. His market looked like it could be strong earlier in the offseason, but the Paul George, DeMar DeRozan dominos have allowed some teams seeking forwards to no longer need Ingram.

With New Orleans acquiring Dejounte Murray this offseason, keeping Ingram to play alongside Murray and Zion Williamson could be intriguing for a Pelicans team that is looking to build on a playoff appearance this past season.

The Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly eyed Milwaukee Bucks free agent shooting guard Malik Beasley, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

"The Detroit Pistons have also expressed interest in Beasley and have flirted with offering the 27-year-old guard a one-year deal," Scotto wrote. "However, Detroit has held off for now amid trade discussions with other teams to act as a salary dump destination for draft pick compensation, league sources told HoopsHype.

"Lastly, the New Orleans Pelicans are interested in signing Beasley to stretch the floor around Zion Williamson, league sources told HoopsHype. The Pelicans are also eying a trade for a center while clearing some salary off their books."

Beasley, who just finished his eighth season in the league, averaged 11.3 points per game last season while shooting an efficient 41.3 percent from deep.

The eighth-year player is coming off a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Bucks and could be a valuable addition to several teams, especially those looking to add a three-point specialist.

The Pistons need all the help they can get after their worst season in franchise history a year ago, and that help could come from adding a veteran like Beasley. While he likely won't be the difference in making or missing the playoffs, he could at least offer some veteran guidance to a group of young players.

But the more enticing option for Beasley would likely be joining the Pelicans, who are seemingly on their way to being perennial playoff contenders after reaching the postseason for a second time in three years last season.

One of New Orleans' biggest issues in the playoffs—aside from being without star Zion Williamson—was its three-point shooting. The Pelicans shot just 26.7 percent from deep in their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and had no true option to look to on the wing.

After shooting a career-high from range last year, Beasley could come in and give New Orleans a major boost as it looks to compete past the first round of the playoffs.

The New Orleans Pelicans have recently "intensified" their attempts to trade Brandon Ingram, NBA insider Marc Stein reported.

"Sources tell The Stein Line that on Ingram's side, with the reality that the contract extension terms his camp had hoped for are not forthcoming from the Pelicans, there has likewise been exploration of trade options," Stein wrote.

Amid these trade talks, the Sacramento Kings have are "said to have explored the feasibility and fit" of trading for Ingram as part of a potential deal involving Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes, per Stein.

Sean Cunningham reported last week for Sacramento's Fox 40 that the Pelicans and Kings had held discussions about a potential trade for Ingram, who averaged 20.8 points in 64 games for New Orleans last regular season.

Ingram also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per regular-season game.

He was held to just 14.3 points per game during the postseason as the Pelicans were swept from the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ingram is currently set to play the 2024-25 season on an expiring contract worth just over $36 million, making him an attractive trade target the Pelicans could potentially use to build their roster around Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.

In addition to moving Ingram, the Pelicans' next moves are expected to be re-signing Murphy and "bolstering their frontline," Stein reported.

Murphy has one season remaining on his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension this offseason.

New Orleans meanwhile has to find a replacement for center Jonas Valančiūnas, who ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported has signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards. That could potentially entice New Orleans to accepting a trade that includes the pair of Kings wings reportedly on offer.

The Kings could end up pursuing another trade or free agency target, as the team has also been tied to Lauri Markkanen and Kyle Kuzma, as reported by HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

But the Sacramento front office has ties to Ingram through Kings executive Alvin Grenty, Cunningham noted. Gentry was head coach of the Pelicans during Ingram's breakout All-Star and Most Improved Player campaign in 2019-20.

That connection could lead the Kings to target Ingram as Sacramento looks to retool back into a playoff contender next season.

Free agent center Jonas Valančiūnas has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Valančiūnas has played 12 NBA seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. The 6'11" big man averaged 12.2 PPG and 8.8 RPG in 2023-24. That season marked the final one of two-year, $30.1 million extension.

Valančiūnas was the subject of trade rumors in the summer of 2023 and leading up to the 2023-24 trade deadline, but he remained with the Pels for the duration of his contract.

His numbers ticked down a bit in 2023-24 with slightly less playing time, but Valančiūnas is ultimately a dependable and productive big man who still has something left in the tank in his second NBA decade. He can eat up minutes at the 5 and provide scoring and rebound help.

It may be too tall of a task to ask Valančiūnas to play up to 30 minutes per night, though. He's also a center more comfortable staying close to the basket in a league where more well-rounded big men find themselves beyond the three-point arc, or where teams frequently go small.

The Wizards contract comes after Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on the possibility of Valančiūnas landing with the Los Angeles Lakers: "Pelicans center Jonas Valančiūnas, who's approaching unrestricted free agency, has been another big man often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential Lakers frontcourt addition this summer."

Ultimately, though, Valančiūnas opted to sign with Washington.

Still, his double-double production can't be ignored, and he should be a nice asset for the Wizards moving forward.