Pelicans Scoop

Warriors, Heat Floated as Trade Destinations for Pelicans Star

The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat could be active teams at the NBA trade deadline.

Joey Linn

New Orleans Pelicans forwards Brandon Ingram (14) and Zion Williamson (1) at Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans Pelicans forwards Brandon Ingram (14) and Zion Williamson (1) at Smoothie King Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The Golden State Warriors have been one of the NBA’s most impressive teams to start the season. Owning a 6-1 record through their first seven games, the Warriors have surprised a lot of people with their play so far. 

There was understandably a lot of talk in the offseason about Golden State’s inability to acquire an established co-star for Steph Curry, but their depth has really shined through seven games. Should the Warriors look to cash in at the trade deadline and make a big move, they seemingly still have the assets to do so.

If they continue to play this well, the Warriors will likely not be incentivized to shake things up too much. This is especially the case if Jonathan Kuminga, who is widely considered Golden State’s best trade asset, continues his recent strong play.

In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes proposed one “dream” and “realistic” trade target for each NBA team. New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram was floated as a realistic option for Golden State and the Miami Heat.

Via Hughes: “The Warriors have more than enough assets to land Ingram, due to his contract expectations rendering him a potential rental and suppressing his value. They could probably even acquire him without surrendering Kuminga.”

Brandon Ingram and Jonathan Kuminga
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

On the potential Miami fit, Hughes added, “A common name throughout this exercise, Ingram is an intriguing scorer whose expiring contract brings risks—while also suppressing his cost. The Heat should have faith they can indoctrinate Ingram into their culture and get the most out of him.”

Because he is a free agent at the end of this season, Ingram will likely not require a significant trade package. That said, a team acquiring him would want to ensure he makes sense as a longterm option, assuming they aren’t looking for a rental. 

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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