3 NBA players who need to be traded to save their careers

4 of 4

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 22: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the first quarter of a NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Smoothie King Center on November 22, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

NBA players who need to be traded to save their careers: 1. Brandon Ingram

Without a doubt, this is the most obvious answer in the entire NBA right now. Brandon Ingram needs to do whatever it takes to get away from the New Orleans Pelicans. Only they could get a king’s ransom from the Lakers in return for Anthony Davis and proceed to do really mediocre things with all the assets in the world.

Trading Jrue Holiday made some sort of sense with three first-round picks coming back. However, Holiday was also clearly the perfect veteran to guide both Ingram and Zion Williamson.

Nevertheless, they still had an ideal young point guard in Lonzo Ball who was the perfect fit alongside both Ingram and Williamson. Nope, he was allowed to join the Chicago Bulls.

Both Holiday and Ball have thrived in their new destinations, while Ingram has put up big numbers and been an All-Star, but has faded from the view of more casual fans and has seen his progress stall. Even if this is partly down to playing in a smaller market, to see a star dim like this is sad, especially one as gifted offensively as Ingram is.

Comparisons to Kevin Durant have rightly died down in recent years, but Ingram’s plight is even worse as long as he is in New Orleans. This is because he is not even thought of as the franchise player and the guy who they can build around. That title still belongs to Williamson, a guy who we discovered at media day this year has a stress fracture in his ankle.

Commenting on the weight and body shape of another person is cruel and judgemental, and Williamson certainly had hops when on the court, despite his stout frame. But he does look some way away from true game shape, yet Ingram has continued to ball out as often as he can, albeit rarely with a smile on his face.

Imagine if he played for the Magic, how much the fans would adore him and how he would be the man right away. Heading to Orlando wouldn’t do much for his brand exposure compared to New Orleans, but if even playing there is seen as a step up, then you know things have gotten bad.

Ingram is a top-15 talent in the league, but right now he is wasting away on a directionless team where he isn’t even entrusted to be the man.

Next. One thing every NBA team has to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. dark