According to reports, the New Orleans Pelicans made a trade offer for Alperen Sengun in exchange for Brandon Ingram, but the Houston Rockets turned it down.The Rockets are not interested in trading their young, talented centre for Ingram, even if the latter is a previous All-Star forward, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
With just one season remaining on his current deal, Brandon Ingram seems like a trade prospect for the Pelicans, who are looking to revamp their team. Although Ingram’s possible departure has been addressed in a number of trade discussions, including ones with the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston’s unwillingness to part with Sengun is especially noteworthy.
Sengun, who is just 21 years old, has already shown a great deal of promise. He shot 53.7% from the floor and finished the previous season with averages of 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His worth to the Rockets, who view him as a crucial component of their future, is highlighted by these outstanding stats.
On the other hand, 26-year-old Brandon Ingram has also been a productive player. He finished the previous season with averages of 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 35.5% from three-point range and 49.2% from the field. The Rockets seem more interested in honing their young core than in making a trade to get a player whose deal is shorter and pays more.
The Pelicans’ intention to trade Ingram most likely has to do with money and their want to save him from being wasted in free agency. The Pelicans are allegedly reluctant to commit to $52 million per year, which is the maximum deal extension worth to Ingram.
The Rockets’ choice to pass on Ingram is consistent with their plan to develop their young players, which includes Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Jaleen Green. Houston seems more focused on long-term development than on quick profits, as evidenced by their emphasis on youth development and financial responsibility.
Even though Ingram is still a vital asset, the Rockets’ decision to keep Sengun in the lineup shows how much they believe in his potential and how dedicated they are to developing their young team. While the Rockets continue to concentrate on their bright future, the Pelicans will need to look at other trade possibilities for Ingram as the offseason goes on.
It Could Be Too Soon for the Pelicans to Give Up on Brandon Ingram
The New Orleans Pelicans could be losing out on the full potential of their dynamic tandem with Zion Williamson if they decide to split ways with Brandon Ingram too soon. Even if Ingram had a less than impressive season recently, this is more likely to be seen as a phase of adjustment than a sign of diminished ability.
Due mostly to injuries and other setbacks that have prevented both players from regularly sharing the floor, Ingram and Williamson’s chemistry has had little time to grow.
With a previous All-Star season, Ingram demonstrated his skill by demonstrating his flexibility, playmaking skills, and ability to score points. With his skill set, Williamson’s explosive agility and inside presence are complemented, giving the Pelicans a lethal one-two punch if they can work together properly.
When both players play well together, a healthy season may showcase the potential and synergy that many have been hoping for since their pairing.
The Pelicans might not receive a return that is commensurate with Ingram’s actual worth if they rush to deal him now, particularly if he returns to his best self. Building a great team takes patience, and it could be beneficial to give Ingram and Williamson the chance to grow as a couple over the course of a full, healthy season.
If given enough time to become used to each other’s playing styles and strengths, the pair has the ability to push the Pelicans into the playoffs and beyond.
The Pelicans should concentrate on creating an atmosphere that optimises the potential of its elite players rather than hurriedly looking for trade possibilities. Ingram and Williamson have the potential to develop into one of the NBA’s most dynamic and potent duos, guiding the Pelicans to long-term success, provided they maintain their health and have the necessary backing from the rest of the team.
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