Four frontrunners emerge in renewed Brandon Ingram sweepstakes: Report
Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly headed in different directions this summer. The former LA Lakers player and his current team have been together since 2019, but after an underwhelming season, they're headed toward a divorce.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there are four teams to keep an eye on as potential landing spots for Ingram. The Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers were mentioned by Fischer, as they all try to bolster their ranks ahead of next season.
“One team to monitor for Ingram would be Sacramento. The Kings have been weighing paths to acquire various wings, sources said, from Kyle Kuzmato Zach LaVine, and Ingram could be another option for Sacramento to explore, sources said," Fischer reports today.
The Kings already made a trade this week, sending Davion Mitchell to Toronto in exchange for Jalen McDaniels. The Hawks got the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, getting Zaccharie Risacher. The Cavaliers are a mystery right now, as they have some decisions to make regarding Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and even Evan Mobley's future.
The Philadelphia 76ers are getting ready to make a splash this offseason and try to land a star that can complement Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in their ongoing championship quest.
Brandon Ingram's level took a dip last season, going from 24.7 points per game in 2023 to 20.8 this year. He didn't look comfortable during the regular season and once the playoffs arrived, the OKC Thunder exposed him, sending the Pelicans home with a first-round sweep. Perhaps a change of air and role is what he needs to be truly impactful.
Which team is the best option for Brandon Ingram this summer?
Out of these four teams, two of them appear to be the best option for Brandon Ingram. The Sacramento Kings already have two established stars in De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Ingram would fit right in as a third scoring option, giving him more freedom to play and taking some pressure off his shoulders.
This would be more notorious on the Philadelphia 76ers. With a former MVP like Joel Embiid and a breakout star like Tyrese Maxey, Ingram wouldn't have the burden of being the No. 1 or No. 2 option for the team.
Brandon Ingram would have the same role he had with the Pelicans if the Hawks moved one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray for him. The Raptors are in the middle of a rebuilding and their only star is Scottie Barnes right now. BI is a solid scorer, but his fit with Zion Williamson in New Orleans was often met with criticism.