For much of the offseason, many expected the New Orleans Pelicans to trade forward Brandon Ingram, with the Indiana Pacers being named a potential destination. The 27-year-old is in the midst of the final year of his five-year, $158.2 million contract. Barring a contract extension (which seems unlikely, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst), Ingram is set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer.
Some linked Ingram to the Pacers as a potential trade target. He is an efficient scorer who is a decent defender. On paper, Ingram could be a good fit in Indiana, especially in a frontcourt with Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner.
However, according to recent reports, any trade that sends Ingram to Indiana now seems more unlikely than ever before, at least given the current state of the Pacers.
Brandon Ingram wants to join a 'winning, competitive environment'
In a recent appearance on ESPN's "NBA Today," insider Shams Charania reported that Ingram is looking to join a team that provides a "winning" and "competitive environment." As it currently stands, the Pacers do not completely fit this mold.
"I'm told Brandon Ingram wants to be part of a winning competitive environment."@ShamsCharania with the latest on Brandon Ingram signing with Klutch Sports Group. pic.twitter.com/wgi9YIfXvP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 3, 2024
This may not be entirely a bad thing for the Pacers, however. Ingram is a fantastic player who would undoubtedly provide a boost to the team, but trading for him could prove too risky for Indiana.
The most important aspect of the Pacers potentially acquiring the Pelicans star is that he does not solve many, if any, of their problems. The Pacers are a flawed team who have played inconsistent basketball all season. However, trading for Ingram, while it could help the team right away, may have a negative impact on the team in the long run.
In order to trade for Ingram, the Pacers must give up a valuable asset, such as Myles Turner or Aaron Nesmith. Additionally, the Pacers would most likely make this trade with plans for a contract extension in place. For the Pacers, bringing in somebody like Ingram and keeping him around for the long haul might not be in their best interest.
Over one month into the 2024-25 NBA season, the Pacers are 9-14 and are barely in playoff contention. If the team fails to turn things around closer to the trade deadline in February, the Pacers might be active in an attempt to right the ship for the second half of the season. However, regardless of how things look in Indiana in the near future, it is fair to assume Ingram will not be involved.