Some changes may be in order for the Orlando Magic after bowing out to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. One possibility is the team trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, who only has one year left on his contract.
The Orlando Magic are the betting favorites to land Ingram if he doesn't stay in New Orleans, via Bovada. Their odds are listed at +300, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers (+650) and San Antonio Spurs (+1250).
After getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, the Pelicans may be inclined to deal the 26-year-old to avoid him possibly walking away in free agency next offseason. Pairing Ingram with 2024 All-Star Paolo Banchero would take Orlando's lineup to the next level, possibly giving them enough firepower to compete with the Eastern Conference's top teams.
How likely is it that Ingram gets traded?
Ingram to the Magic is a plausible scenario, but many stars would have to align
Ingram reportedly has an even larger trade market than star Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, via Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.
“An unofficial poll of executives in Chicago also suggests Pelicans wing Brandon Ingram will have a wider range of teams interested in acquiring the one-time All-Star, as compared to Young, should New Orleans truly explore a roster shake-up of that magnitude,” Fischer said.
While this may be an eyebrow-raising statement at first glance, it makes sense from the perspective that Ingram would be cheaper to acquire than Young. Young is a three-time All-Star who led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. The Oklahoma alum currently averages 25.5 points per game on 43.6% shooting, with 9.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and one steal across his six-year career.
Conversely, Ingram has not been as productive. The former Los Angeles Laker has averaged 19.4 points on 46.8% shooting, to go with 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists throughout his eight-year tenure. Unlike Young, Ingram isn't good enough to be the first option on a contending team. However, he could be a formidable second or third option in the right scenario.
Ingram being the Robin to Zion Williamson's Batman hasn't worked out in New Orleans, due in large part to injuries. A fresh start could help both parties, as it's unlikely the current duo will win a championship together.
A potential Ingram trade between the Magic and Pelicans has surfaced, via Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World.
“Orlando Magic Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, Mo Wagner, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick.”
This deal would be even for both sides, Bitar explained.
“For the Magic, acquiring Ingram forms a promising All-Star duo alongside Paolo Banchero, who showcased his All-Star caliber play during their recent playoff appearances (27.0 PPG),” Bitar said. “Ingram's scoring ability, averaging around 20 points per game, complements Banchero's offensive prowess, potentially elevating the Magic's offensive output.”
This deal would hurt Orlando's depth, but it would create a potential “Big Three” if small forward Franz Wagner continues to develop. The 22-year-old averaged 19.7 points on 48.2% shooting last season, to go with 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Additionally, this trade would help New Orleans re-tool around Zion.
“Isaac's defensive presence bolsters the Pelicans' already solid defensive unit (8th in the NBA in OPPG), potentially elevating them even further in the league rankings,” Bitar continued. “Additionally, the inclusion of two future first-round picks provides valuable assets for future roster development and flexibility.”
While it's a long shot that this exact trade will come to fruition, don't be surprised if the two organizations work out something similar.
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