5 Hornets trades that would immediately make them a playoff team

3. Brandon Ingram

If the Charlotte Hornets really wanted to make a move and push forward, finding a way to snag Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans would definitely help them do that.

The question is, would the Hornets be able to offer the Pelicans enough to make the trade worth it for both sides involved? Would other teams be able to outbid Charlotte? Would they want to?

This is one of the best offers the Hornets could put together without completely overpaying, and the truth is, other teams around the league could hand out better ones. But the Hornets could at least try.

For the Pelicans, Grant Williams would be a solid 3-and-D option for them. He’s a versatile defender, and if his three-point shot can stay consistent, which is a question mark, he’d be useful on that end, too.

Nick Richards could give the Pelicans some cheap big man depth, as they may end up losing Jonas Valanciunas in free agency. It doesn’t solve their problem at the starting center spot, but he’s a fine player.

Plus, the Pelicans would save some serious money in this trade. They are trying to compete for the playoffs, but the second apron looms large.

Lastly, Vasilije Micic would provide them with a quality point guard off the bench, and the draft pick would be icing on the cake.

For the Hornets, the move is self-explanatory. Ingram is a top-notch scorer, a former All-Star, and would immediately improve Charlotte’s offense around LaMelo Ball.

Potential Hornets starting lineup: LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, Brandon Ingram, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams