What would it cost the Pacers to land Brandon Ingram?
Like Siakam was when Indiana acquired him, Ingram is in the final year of his contract and wants a massive extension. The Pelicans do not want to give him the max but have no plans of letting the All-Star wing leave in free agency. They want to compete and have two other All-Stars on their roster. Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray are the start of a strong core, so New Orleans just needs pieces.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz offered several hypothetical blockbuster trades, including sending Ingram to Indy for a package that solves the Pelicans center woes.
New Orleans is looking for a starting center after Jonas Valanciunas departed in free agency. They also need floor spacing around Zion in the frontcourt. Turner is a plus shooter and rim-protector. He could be the ideal fit next to the Pelicans star.
Nesmith gives New Orleans a 40-plus percent 3-point shooter to space the floor and play defense on the wing. The Pelicans certainly need perimeter defenders and could bank on the 24-year-old continuing to improve.
New Orleans will ask for more but may have to settle as the trade deadline nears. If they are unwilling to agree to a fresh contract, Ingram will walk in free agency next summer. Getting two key role players may be the best available package, but should the Pacers make the move?