According to a report, Brandon Ingram would welcome a trade to the Miami Heat this offseason. The soon-to-be 24-year-old has spent the last two seasons in New Orleans.
Adam Borai of Five Reasons Sports reported this news around 11:30 on July 26th via Twitter. The rest of the Five Reasons Sports team also tweeted out that their sources were saying the same thing.
Ingram was a first-time All-Star two years ago and had another successful season last year. Despite the individual success, the Pelicans failed to make the playoffs.
Last season, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He shot 46.6% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range.
Rumors began to swirl about the future of the Pelicans after star Zion Williamson’s family began to speak out about their unhappiness with the situation in New Orleans. This quote comes from Shams Charania of The Athletic:
"“They have been unable to put together the right elements to make rising star Zion Williamson and his family happy, and multiple sources have told The Athletic that certain family members want Williamson on another team.”"
While Ingram has played well during his time in New Orleans, some question his fit with Williamson. If a shake-up were to happen, he is by far the best trade asset they have.
New Orleans made a series of questionable decisions last year, starting with the hiring of Stan Van Gundy. They then traded for Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams – two players who struggle to shoot the ball.
Now, rumors report that both Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart could be on the way out in free agency. This would force the front office’s hands in changing the makeup of the roster.
If Ingram were to get dealt, would the Miami Heat be a good fit? How well would he play alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo?