With the NBA season over and the Denver Nuggets the freshly crowned NBA Champions, the focus shifts to the offseason. Rumors are running wild ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft and one that has dominated the discourse is the interest around the New Orleans Pelicans potentially wanting to trade forward Brandon Ingram. If that is the case, the team will look to get the best offer for him. That being said there are three teams that would be an ideal fit for the Pelicans forward next season. Ingram is still fairly young and has plenty of good basketball left in him.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets could decide to make a major splash this offseason and make a trade for a talented forward like Brandon Ingram. Losing with LaMelo Ball on the roster is unacceptable and putting talent around him is important. This would also be somewhat of a coming home party for Ingram who grew up in North Carolina and played his sole season of college basketball with the Duke Blue Devils. Would the Hornets be willing to give up their second overall pick for Ingram though?
Detroit Pistons
Detroit could be looking to make a splash when adding veterans this offseason. They thought they were ready to compete last season, but a Cade Cunningham injury dashed those hopes quickly. This team has talented and youthful guards but needs a better veteran on the roster to take the next step. Brandon Ingram could be the player that elevates the team to at least a bottom-level playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
Sacramento Kings
Are the Sacramento Kings for real or was last year just an illusion? The team needs a primary veteran scorer which is exactly where Brandon Ingram could fit in on the roster. Harrison Barnes could be moving on from the team and Ingram at this point could be a major upgrade. Will the Kings be prepared to make that move? Another important issue could be the assets that the Kings would be willing to send back.
Conclusion
There is still nothing but rumors surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans at the moment. If they really are ready to move on from Brandon Ingram then finding a good package is vital. The best fit for him heading into next season would likely be the Sacramento Kings. He could further elevate their team and help them stay near the top of the Western Conference.
