NBA Trades: Pelicans land perfect Zion and Murray co-star in potential Wolves swap

NBA Trades: Would the Timberwolves accept this deal?

It is the league’s worst-kept secret that the Pelicans are looking to deal Ingram and are not willing to sign him to a max extension. Ingram’s skill set is sought after in today’s NBA: a do-it-all wing who can score at all three levels and play maker as well. The issue is, Ingram wilted under the bright playoff lights this past season.

Ingram had an efficient regular season, where he averaged 21 points per game on a career high 49 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. However, in the Pelicans four game sweep loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ingram averaged only 14 points per game on 35 percent shooting and 25 percent from three-point range. This was a stark contrast from not only his regular season numbers, but also his last playoff appearance, where he averaged 27 points on 48/41 shooting splits. 

Granted, Ingram did not get much help from his teammates as no one averaged over 20 points per game and only two members of their rotation shot better than 40 percent from the field and Ingram did not have his running mate in Zion Williamson.

Ingram would benefit playing next to a superstar like Edwards, becoming the second option next to him. He would likely have more one on one opportunities as well with the defense likely focused on stopping Edwards. Minnesota desperately needs that veteran scoring punch on the wing and Ingram provides that. In addition to that, they shed their payroll by moving off of KAT’s enormous contract. They would likely accept this deal.