New Orleans Pelicans Dealing with the Brandon Ingram drama After the team being frequently mentioned in NBA trade rumors throughout the summer, the franchise appears to be at a crossroads when it comes to building around Zion Williamson and avoiding paying the luxury tax. Speculation about potential moves is still rife as training camps begin. As things stand, Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Hawkins are the three most likely Pelicans trade candidates.
Brandon Ingram
Ingram is currently on a 5-year, $158 million deal with the Pelicans that runs through 2014-15. This includes a cap hit He received a $36 million check this season. Granted, he earned those checks in a six-game Round 1 series against the Phoenix Suns. The one-time All-Star has consistently performed well when available, but Ingram’s subtle message to the Pelicans That’s hard to ignore. Averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season is only worth that much in today’s NBA money market.
Ingram’s scoring ability and versatility make him an attractive asset for teams looking to bolster their offensive firepower. That didn’t work out as planned in the Crescent City. Williamson and Ingram’s offensive plays overlap too much between the restricted area and the three-point line. Opponents can form a wall around the rim, partly due to the fact that Ingram won’t step behind the arc for more field goal attempts. Defenses sag and Williamson’s attempts often fall short.
Ingram is a name everyone expected to be moved, but that hasn’t happened yet. His current salary and performance level would be a great asset, but any imminent contract extension talks could be contentious. Ingram is set for a max-level deal of $208 million, while the market has settled on a value of around $180 million.
If Ingram comes out of an All-NBA price tag, contending teams in need of a scoring forward will be willing to offer significant assets in return. The Pelicans could use the added flexibility and roster certainty in their efforts to win an NBA playoff series with Williamson on the court.
jose alvarado
Jose Alvarado is one of the most energetic, playful point guards the world has seen coming off the bench. The Georgia Tech alumnus is one of the cheapest in the NBA at $1.98 million this season. Adding Alvarado, who wants a long-term deal this summer, would be close to a first-round pick-level addition in any deal. If the Pelicans want to protect future draft capital, the front office must add at least one postseason-caliber contributor to upgrade the starting center position.
Alvarado averaged 7.1 points, 2.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. The 26-year-old’s relatively low salary and defensive prowess make him an attractive option for teams looking to add depth to their backcourt. The Brooklyn Nets are an example of a rebuilding team that could give Alvarado a raise in both minutes and salary. The Pelicans could afford to let Alvarado leave, if only the recent lottery pick could come to fruition.
Jordan Hawkins
Jordan Hawkins had a tough time trying to become a point guard during 2024 NBA2K25 Summer League action. The natural sharpshooter’s controllers got stuck on the dribble too much. New Orleans, an organization that has never paid the luxury tax, needs more than a $4.5 million roster slot. Hawkins averaged 10.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, shooting 37% from beyond the arc, but he went cold from the field after Willie Green demanded better defense.
Hawkins’ potential and rookie contract make him a valuable trade chip. Teams seeking young talent will be interested in acquiring him, giving the Pelicans an opportunity to acquire future assets. The same applies to Ingram and Alvarado. Each player offers unique value, making them attractive trade candidates for teams with different needs.
EVP David Griffin has waited this long in the market, so don’t expect any hasty decisions from New Orleans. However, The Pelicans are on the clock with Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado. Both could be gone next offseason without the Pelicans getting anything in return.