With how talented their current roster is, the Indiana Pacers should have their eye out for potential trade opportunities as the season progresses. They have a great core, but adding to it could take them to the next level, and Brandon Ingram would be quite the talent to add.
Tyrese Haliburton made his first All-Star Game last year, and during the FIBA World Cup this summer, he cemented himself as a bonafide star. He’s ready to lead this Pacers team to the playoffs, but getting him more help would significantly improve the ceiling of the squad.
Indiana was reportedly interested in trading for OG Anunoby this summer, as they are on the lookout to add forward depth. Well, while Anunoby seems to be staying put for now, there’s another forward they should be keeping an eye on.
Brandon Ingram contract extension news should have Indiana Pacers intrigued
According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, Brandon Ingram is waiting on contract extension talks with the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram has two seasons left on his current contract.
Clark went on to explain that Ingram hopes to improve his earning potential with a great 2023-24 season, as an All-NBA selection will make him eligible for the supermax, just as Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown earned this summer.
That being said, this is a situation the Pacers should be keeping a close eye on.
While the overwhelmingly likely scenario is that Ingram re-signs with the Pelicans next summer on a max deal, if New Orleans falls short of expectations again and Zion Williamson can’t stay on the court, things could get interesting.
If Williamson wants out, as was rumored at times during this offseason, and the Pelicans miss the postseason, the organization will have to consider all its options, one of which being a reset.
And if the Pelicans fall apart by the trade deadline, trading Ingram could make more sense now than ever, as they would avoid having to hand him a massive contract extension.
Again, that situation seems unlikely, but if it comes to fruition, the Pacers should be one of the first in line to offer a trade for Ingram. Adding his scoring punch next to Haliburton and Myles Turner would create an awesome Big 3.
A lineup of Haliburton, Bruce Brown, Ingram, Jarace Walker, and Turner would fight for a playoff spot in the East, especially with guys like Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and Andrew Nembhard off the bench.
Brandon Ingram will probably re-sign in New Orleans next summer, but this update should push the Pacers to keep an eye on the situation in case things go wrong.