New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram reportedly has several potential suitors on the trade market.
According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Ingram has drawn interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings. Fischer added that the Philadelphia 76ers view the former All-Star as a target, although he ranks "somewhere below" Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George on the team's wish list.
William Guillory of The Athletic revealed on Monday that the Pelicans are "unlikely" to offer Ingram a maximum contract extension.
The 26-year-old has one season left on a five-year, $158.25 million contract that he signed with New Orleans in 2020. He's set to earn just over $36 million for his 2024-25 campaign before he hits unrestricted free agency (via Spotrac).
With the reported disconnect between Ingram and the Pelicans' front office regarding an extension, a trade may be on the horizon. On Tuesday, NBA insider Marc Stein wrote that the forward was "more likely" to be traded this week with free agency upcoming.
The Pelicans may want to move Ingram to one of the interested teams in order to gain some more cap flexibility, as ESPN's Bobby Marks noted that the team will be in the luxury tax next season.
Although the former No. 2 overall pick was never able to build off his All-Star season in 2020, he's remained a commendable secondary scorer and is still efficient from all three levels. During his 2023-24 campaign, Ingram averaged 20.8 points and 5.7 assists per game on 49.2/35.5/80.1 shooting splits.
The 76ers could aggressively pursue his services despite their rumored interest in George. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on June 20 that Philadelphia's desire to pursue the nine-time All-Star "significantly waned in recent days."
If that's the case, 76ers president Daryl Morey could shift his focus towards Ingram. However, he doesn't appear to be the only one interested in the Pelicans forward.
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