Brandon Ingram untouchable at the Pelicans

It’s August 17, 2022, NBA training camps are set to begin in just over a month, and no Kevin Durant transfer seems on the horizon just yet. On the contrary, we especially have the impression that doors are closing in the KD file. Among the increasingly unlikely destinations: the New Orleans Pelicans, obviously not keen on including Brandon Ingram in a potential deal.

On paper, the Pels have a lot of arguments if they want to position themselves on the Kevin Durant file. A few weeks ago, we offered different packages for each NBA franchise and that of New Orleans was clearly one of the most attractive. Draft picks to refourguer? The Pelicans have plenty (at least one first-round pick per year until 2029). Promising youngsters? There’s plenty in the Bayou with Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and a few others. An All-Star caliber player in exchange? NOLA owns Brandon Ingram, who unlike Zion Williamson can be sent to Brooklyn despite the presence of Ben Simmons (BI is not affected by the designated rookie extension). You add to that a team on the rise after its beautiful qualification in the Playoffs in 2022 and you understand why the Pels can seriously get involved in the race to try to recover Easy Money Sniper.

“If you are looking for an interesting team [pour un trade de KD, ndlr.], I tell you the New Orleans Pelicans. They have the assets to do it, Zion Williamson is hoping to bounce back next season, and I can tell you – having been in New Orleans during the Playoffs – it’s an exciting market that’s ready to explode. If Durant ends up there, the Pelicans will immediately become a title contender. »

– Brian Windhorst (ESPN)

Except there’s a catch.

According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans would have no desire to separate from Brandon Ingram, central element of a potential deal with the Nets. If KD and BI do not evolve in the same dimension despite the great similarities found in their game profile, almost a decade separates the two players in age (25 years for BI, 34 for KD). And that, obviously, is far too much to sacrifice Ingram who still remains on a pure postseason. With 27 points – 6 rebounds – 6 assists on average (47% shooting, 41% parking, 83% free throws) against the Suns in the first round of the Playoffs, BI was one of the very big players in the good end to the season for New Orleans, which struggled to get out of the play-in tournament before making the best regular season team sweat. With a Zion Williamson who will come back with a knife between his teeth, the precious presence of veteran CJ McCollum, nuggets who are just waiting to progress and a very attractive Willie Green in his young coach’s costume, the Pels can nurture great ambitions if they manage to ride the buzz of the last Playoffs. A transfer to get Kevin Durant back – as exceptional as he is with a basketball in his hands – could initially disrupt this positive dynamic, especially since Louisiana has never really seemed to be among the favorite destinations. by KD.

So many reasons why the Pelicans want to continue with Brandon Ingram and the group as it is currently formed. The New Orleans franchise knows just how difficult it can be to create a real culture within the team, so it understandably wants to see what the team can accomplish, especially with a Zion. back from injury.

Source texte : NOLA.com, ESPN

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