In a recent article by Bleacher Reports Zach Buckley, Brandon Ingram is floated as a potential trade target for the Charlotte Hornets. The versatile scoring wing is currently at the FIBA World Cup, where he’s struggling to adapt to his role under Steve Kerr, and has recently spoken of his frustration.
"“Charlotte needs to expand its talent base, and it has two options to do that. Either fork over the assets needed to acquire a star or play the long game by converting some of its established veterans into prospects and picks.” Buckley wrote. “Ingram, who had the Hornets’ attention this summer, is an ambitious target, but if things again go awry for the New Orleans Pelicans, he could be the primary piece moved in a significant trade, since his upside can’t match that of a healthy Zion Williamson.”"
When playing in the NBA, Ingram has proven capable of shouldering a heavy offensive load while also flashing improvements on the defensive end. Last season, Ingram played in 45 regular-season games for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 39% from 3-point range and 48.4% from the field.
Having a young forward who can score across all three levels, help out on the glass, and work as a secondary initiator is what Charlotte hoped they were getting in Gordon Hayward. However, injury issues have stopped the former All-Star from reaching those heights. As such, Ingram makes a lot of sense for how the Hornets want to play, while he also fits within their contention timeline.
A starting five of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Brandon Ingram, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams would have the size, versatility, and scoring punch to push the Hornets onto the next level and potentially take them into the postseason. However, finding a way to acquire Ingram without giving up any of the five players mentioned will be challenging.
Here are three trade packages the Hornets could put together to bring Ingram to the Spectrum Center.
#1 The Hornets give the Pelicans some much-needed ball-handling
The Devonte Graham experiment didn’t work for the New Orleans Pelicans. Entering the new season, the Western Conference team appears to be short on high-level ball handling, putting pressure on C.J. McCollum to work as both a play initiator and primary scorer. Finding a high-level guard is likely high up on the team’s to-do list. That’s where the Hornets come in.
The Hornets can offer Terry Rozier — who is under contract for another three more seasons (including the upcoming one) — and former lottery pick James Bouknight to help solve the Pelicans issues at the guard position. Rozier has proven capable of being an on-ball guard as well as an off-ball guard. Bouknight needs a change of scenery.
If the Pelicans are willing to part ways with Ingram, doing so to improve their guard rotation makes sense. Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to hold interest in Rozier, as his improvements and on-court impact make him one of the better non-star guards in the NBA. Rozier would quickly improve the Pelican’s overall offensive flow while also getting the opportunity to operate with the ball in his hands more frequently.
The deal makes sense for both sides but may not be enough to get the Pelicans’ blood pumping.
#2 The Hornets dangle the dream of cap space
The Pelicans don’t have a legitimate route to cap space ahead of 2024 free agency. C.J. McCollum is in the final year of his $35.8 million deal, but has already agreed to a $100 million extension over three years. Most of the team’s roster is secured through the 2025-25 season.
Ingram has two years remaining on his $158 million contract, worth an average of $31.6 million per year. That’s where Hayward comes into things. The veteran forward is on the final year of his current contract with the Hornets, and will become a free agent next summer.
If New Orleans believes they can work with some additional cap space next summer, and find a way of upgrading their roster in the open market, acquiring Hayward would be the best way to free up some funds. Furthermore, if Hayward can stay healthy, he would give similar production to Ingram, but would likely need a lower usage rate to get there.
Acquiring Hayward likely wouldn’t give the Pelicans max cap room next summer, but it could free up a significant amount of space to plug gaps around the roster, while a 2026 top-three protected first round pick would certainly sweeten the pot.
#3 The Hornets get out in front of the Miles Bridges condundrum
This is the only trade where part of the starting five I mentioned earlier would need to be used as part of the trade, although, it could be a necessary evil.
Miles Bridges opted into his qualifying offer this summer, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. If Bridges proves that his one-year absence hasn’t resulted in him losing a step, he could field some significant offers next summer, and the Hornets could lose him for nothing. Conversley, the Hornets front office could be forced into a bidding war to keep their star forward, which could hamstring the rebuilding efforts long-term.
As such, finding a way to maximize a return on Bridges may be the smart play. After opting into his deal, Bridges can’t be traded until September 30. Trade talks are never quick, and with Ingram currently away with Team USA, the trade restriction will likely be lifted before any potential trade talks reach fever pitch.
Adding Rozier to the deal give the Pelicans the ball-handling they require, while Cody Martin is there to make the salaries work. Ingram heads to the Pelicans, where he can help slot into Bridges roll, while providing some additional floor spacing. The Hornets also get an extra year of salary control before having to make a deicison regarding the future of one of their best players.