The Golden State Warriors are heading into what is going to be a monumental offseason. There is a chance the Big 3 era comes to an end, with Klay Thompson set to hit free agency. With a need to shake up the roster, could Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans be a potential trade target?
Stephen Noh of Sporting News recently pitched a trade between the Western Conference foes, centered around the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The proposed deal would send Brandon Ingram to Golden State in exchange for Chris Paul and Moses Moody, a 2025 first-round pick and 2028 first-round pick.
With an extension reportedly not being offered by the Pelicans, a trade centered around Ingram could be on the horizon. If that comes to fruition, Golden State would be smart to jump at the opportunity to make a deal.
This would be an interesting trade for the Warriors, who are reportedly motivated to find a taker for Andrew Wiggins. If he is moved, Brandon Ingram is someone who could seamlessly slide into his starting forward spot.
Ingram would provide Golden State with a huge upgrade to their lineup, someone capable of creating offense for himself and his teammates. That is something the team has lacked at times outside of Stephen Curry, who was carrying the load on his own more often than not.
A reliable 20+ points per game scorer, Brandon Ingram would not only be an immediate upgrade for the Warriors but help long-term. Turning only 27 in September, he isn’t even in his prime and could be part of their next core moving forward.
As for the Pelicans, they need a legitimate floor general. Ingram ran their offense at times this season along with CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson handled the ball as well, but none are natural point guards.
It is fair to wonder just how much Paul has left in the tank. He may not be a starting-caliber player at this stage, but he brings a lot of what the team is lacking in the backcourt. Moody, a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, could add to the depth on the wing as a 3-and-D player.
The two draft picks are also very valuable for New Orleans. Looking to shake things up on their roster, that’s two more assets they can use to swing a blockbuster trade should the opportunity present itself to make one.
