The New Orleans Pelicans will have their newly-acquired asset Brandon Ingram back on the court by July, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Ingram was part of a package that sent him along with Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and draft pick compensation to New Orleans, as Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers this past weekend.
The 6-foot-9 wing had his 2018-19 season end prematurely after team doctors found a blood clot in his right shoulder. If he suffers no setbacks from his recovery, the lanky small forward would be ready for training camp in the fall.
The Pelicans envision Ingram — now the third second overall pick to be traded by the Lakers in the span of three years — to play alongside point guard Jrue Holiday and soon-to-be top overall selection Zion Williamson on a new-look team.
Ingram had arguably his best season in the NBA playing alongside LeBron James, averaging 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in his third year in the league.
While the numbers took a jump from his second season, the 21-year-old didn't evolve as much as some had hoped for, struggling to become a working partner for James, who was thrust into his usual role as a primary playmaker.
Ingram had made strides as a passer and a decision-maker, but those skills had to take a back seat with James dominating the ball through the majority of the game.
The 21-year-old has yet to top the 60-game mark since his rookie season, so an early return to the court bodes well for his long-term future with the Pelicans.
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