NBA Trades: Jazz land a Markkanen co-star in tantalizing potential deal with Pelicans
By Cal Durrett
NBA Trades: Would the Pelicans agree to the deal?
It seems clear that the Pelicans are looking to restructure their roster around Zion Williamson and Ingram doesn't fit into their plans given his potential price tag. Ingram could command at least $30 million a year but projects to be more of a third-star than a co-star.
After trading for Dejounte Murray, he is projected to start alongside Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Zion, with Kessler possibly joining them. That would be a potentially strong defensive lineup, with Murray and Zion being able to carry the offense in the starting five, plus CJ McCollum coming off the bench.
To make that happen, they would have to trade Ingram and take back Collins' contract, which will pay him over $50 million over the next two seasons. That might give the Pelicans pause since he won't start but he can be a good player in the second-unit.
After next season, he would be on a massive expiring contract, which would be helpful in a trade. Add in receiving a 2027 first-round pick, and New Orleans would likely agree to the trade, with them getting a starter, a rotation player, and a possible lottery pick.