While they were picked to be a potential playoff team in the NBA this season, things have not gone well for the New Orleans Pelicans to begin the season. They are currently in 14th place in the Western Conference and they currently have one of the worst point differentials in the entire league.
Brandon Ingram missing half the team’s games and Zion Williamson being out due to foot surgery in the offseason has definitely not helped this team in any way, but overall, the Pelicans seem to be struggling after the roster moves they have made over the years.
Trading away Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball, two players that fit in so well in their system has really seemed to hurt this organization over the years, and without their two All-Stars playing together, this young New Orleans Pelicans team has not found much success.
If their recent misfortunes continue, executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin and general manager Trajan Langdon could be forced to make some tough decisions, especially if one of their star players requests a trade.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Be Eyeing Trade For Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram was involved in some trade rumors this offseason and while nothing has been said about the All-Star’s long-term stay in New Orleans, it seems reasonable to believe that he could request a trade if this team continues to trend downward in the Western Conference.
In the event that this would happen, the Memphis Grizzlies are a “dark-horse” team to keep an eye on, especially since they have emerged as a young, quick-growing team in the Western Conference.
Ja Morant will likely be making his first All-Star appearance this season and with other high-level talents in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks next to him, all this team is missing is another All-Star talent.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Be Eyeing Trade For Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram
Adding Brandon Ingram to the Grizzlies instantly makes them a real threat in the Western Conference and a team that could possibly make a deep playoff run even though many did not expect them to at the beginning of the year.
Given that Brandon Ingram is making $29.4M this season, it would be tough for the Memphis Grizzlies to trade for him, but by getting the Oklahoma City Thunder involved as well, they would be able to make a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans work.
