Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?
The New Orleans Pelicans have a decision to make in the offseason. They can continue to build around their duo in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson or send one away for a big return. It is obvious that Williamson is the focus, so could moving Ingram help form a better supporting cast?
The Pelicans will get back a tremendous haul in this deal. Robinson is a player with a very high ceiling playing alongside a talent like Williamson. Robinson would be able to space the floor and capitalize on defenses sending extra pressure to Williamson in addition to directly engaging in dribble handoffs with him as he has done with Bam Adebayo.
New Orleans would also get draft capital which could be used in another deal if they want to add some more pieces. The team already has so many assets from trades involving Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, they would be ideally positioned to land a few high-impact players around Zion Williamson.
Trading Ingram would create cap space that they might need to sign Williamson in the future. If the team does not feel as though he is going to be in a situation where he is cohesive long-term with Williamson, moving Ingram via trade now makes a lot of sense.
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Williamson is the Pelicans’ franchise player that is already playing at an All-Star level. If the front office wants to commit to him, they will have to think about some more if they can make it. Ingram is talented, but is it worth spending big money if he’s going to be relied on less to initiate over time?
