The Golden State Warriors’ search for a big difference-maker this offseason is expected to require them to make a large trade, possibly giving up their young players and future draft picks in order to give Stephen Curry more support.
The Warriors’ willingness to forgo their future in exchange for immediate assistance will be interesting to see, but maybe there is a way the team can acquire a star while keeping a large portion of its youthful core.
The Golden State Warriors’ ideal buy-low transaction this offseason would be a hypothetical trade for Brandon Ingram.
The New Orleans Pelicans are anticipated to part ways with 26-year-old Brandon Ingram and his dynamic with star big Zion Williamson, but Ingram is one player who has already been speculated to be available this offseason.
According to Stephen Noh of Sporting News, two unidentified executives have suggested that Ingram might go to Golden State. In exchange, the 2020 All-Star would join the Warriors in exchange for Chris Paul, Moses Moody, and first-round selections in 2025 and 2028.
For an offensive player of Ingram’s caliber, this sounds like a modest price, but maybe it’s an indication of his declining worth after a catastrophic first-round playoff series in which he averaged just 14.3 points on less than 35% shooting from the field.
Noh also notes that Paul might really be worth something to the Pelicans, as the trade would not be possible until the 39-year-old’s $30 million contract was guaranteed.
“Paul is a far different player than he was during his initial stint with the then-Hornets. However, he is still quite good at planning an attack. He continued to have an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio and will make Zion’s baskets the simplest of his life.”
This sounds like a great deal for Ingram, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season, regardless of the Pelicans’ possible interest in Paul. With Ingram, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State would have a formidable front court; but, it’s possible that they might bundle one or two of those players in another transaction over the offseason.
Unless they have another deal in the works with the assets obtained, it’s difficult to imagine the Pelicans choosing this trade package given their desire to improve and preferably find an upgrade from Ingram. Although the Warriors would have to pay a large new contract extension for the former second overall pick, it seems like a worthwhile bargain.
