Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a difficult spot this season. As of early December, the team sits at the very bottom of the Western Conference, a far cry from the playoff hopes many had for the squad heading into the season. With only a quarter of the regular season gone, it’s clear the Pelicans have major work to do to stay competitive. The absence of star forward Zion Williamson due to injury is certainly a significant factor in the team’s struggles, but there are other issues at play.
Zion Williamson has been the face of the franchise since being selected with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, but his injury history has cast a long shadow over his career. Despite this, the Pelicans are still holding out hope for his return. According to a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the team is not considering waiving Zion anytime soon. In fact, Charania stated on The Pat McAfee Show that the Pelicans’ “number one objective is to get him back on the court and build the right support around him.” However, given the uncertainty surrounding Williamson’s health and the team’s underwhelming performance without him, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something may need to give.
Brandon Ingram: The Likely Trade Candidate
While Williamson’s future in New Orleans remains a question mark, another star might be closer to the exit door. Forward Brandon Ingram, the team’s second star, could be the one on the move before February’s trade deadline.
Reports indicate that Ingram, who was named an All-Star in 2020, has garnered attention from several teams, with the Miami Heat emerging as one of the most likely destinations. Bovada, the popular sports betting site, ranks the Heat as the second-most favored landing spot for Ingram, behind only a potential reunion with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Heat’s interest is not surprising, given that they have long been in the market for a dynamic forward who can complement Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. But the question remains: will the Pelicans pull the trigger on trading Ingram?
The Ingram-Williamson pairing has not yet materialized into the feared tandem the Pelicans hoped for. While both players have shown flashes of brilliance, the duo has struggled to stay healthy and consistently click on the floor. Ingram has been a solid contributor, but with the Pelicans underperforming and the team still trying to build around Zion’s potential, it may make sense for the franchise to change direction and retool.
The Heat’s Interest and Potential Trade Packages
The Miami Heat, long rumored to be looking for another star, could be a perfect match for Ingram. A move to Miami would offer Ingram the chance to play in a system led by Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, alongside one of the NBA’s top players in Jimmy Butler. Miami’s championship aspirations could also benefit from a player like Ingram, who can provide scoring, shooting, and versatility on the wing.
However, not all Heat fans are sold on the idea of adding Ingram. There’s a divide among supporters, with some excited about the prospect of moving on from guard Terry Rozier and others questioning whether Ingram would address the team’s primary needs. While Ingram’s ability to score is undeniable, the Heat might be more focused on improving their backcourt depth and perimeter defense. Some believe a trade for a player who’s more focused on defense or playmaking might be a better fit for Miami’s roster.
Additionally, the Heat will have to make the right offer to convince the Pelicans to part with their star. Ingram has been a key piece for New Orleans, and it’s unlikely they will let him go without receiving significant value in return. Miami has the assets to make a competitive offer, including young players and future draft picks, but whether they’re willing to part with the necessary pieces will remain a big question.
Conclusion: The Pelicans’ Crossroads
As the trade deadline approaches, the New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads. Their slow start to the season has raised serious questions about the future of the roster, especially with Zion Williamson’s injury cloud hanging over the team. While the Pelicans have been firm in their desire to build around Williamson, it’s increasingly possible that Ingram could be the player who is moved.
For the Miami Heat, Ingram represents a potentially huge upgrade to their roster, but it’s far from certain whether he’s the right fit. As the trade season heats up, both teams will have some big decisions to make — decisions that could dramatically reshape the landscape of the Western and Eastern Conferences. Whether the Pelicans decide to keep their current stars or finally pull the trigger on a trade remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: major changes are likely ahead for both New Orleans and Miami.
