The Detroit Pistons are undoubtedly a team on the rise, boasting a promising young core of players. However, like many teams in their position, they are in pursuit of that elusive star player who can elevate their status in the NBA. General Manager Troy Weaver is undoubtedly keeping a close eye on the league, looking for opportunities to secure such a player, most likely through a trade.
One team that has been garnering attention in this regard is the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans boast two stellar talents in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, both of whom have the potential to become franchise-altering stars. However, the NBA is a dynamic league, and situations can change rapidly. This is where the Pistons, among other teams, come into the picture.
In recent times, there have been trade proposals circulating involving Zion Williamson potentially moving to the Detroit Pistons. While some of these proposals might seem one-sided in favor of Detroit, they reflect the desire of fans and analysts to see a seismic shift in the Pistons’ fortunes.
However, what could really make things intriguing is the uncertainty surrounding Zion Williamson’s health and future with the Pelicans. Zion’s injury woes and his unclear long-term prospects could be the catalyst that eventually prompts the Pelicans to entertain trade offers for their other star, Brandon Ingram.
According to reports from NOLA.com, Brandon Ingram is unlikely to sign a contract extension with the Pelicans this summer, despite being eligible to do so. This decision makes sense for both parties involved. From Ingram’s perspective, waiting might lead to a more lucrative deal, particularly if he achieves All-NBA status next season.
For the Pelicans, it’s a pragmatic move to assess Ingram’s durability over a full season, especially considering his injury history. Their commitment to a max contract for Zion Williamson, who has struggled with injuries, adds an element of financial risk. Zion’s extension hasn’t even come into effect yet, so his lack of play could weigh heavily on the Pelicans, given his $34 million price tag.
With CJ McCollum on the books for over $30 million for the next three years and Brandon Ingram set to earn $33 and $36 million over the next two, the Pelicans are in a position where a significant portion of their salary cap is allocated to players who either have injury concerns or are entering the latter stages of their prime.
One aspect that often goes unnoticed amid the Zion Williamson hype is Brandon Ingram’s injury history. He played just 45 games last season and has missed substantial time every year since his rookie season, when he appeared in 79 games.
This situation might prompt the Pelicans to explore the possibility of moving one of their star players to mitigate risk. Currently, Zion’s trade value may not be as high as it should be for a player with the potential to be a top-10 talent in the league. CJ McCollum’s age and contract situation make him a challenging trade piece, despite his continued productivity.
This leaves Brandon Ingram, who has opted to take a gamble on himself in the upcoming season by forgoing an early contract extension. If this gamble pays off, he could be in line for a substantial payday as a 26-year-old in his prime, renowned as one of the league’s premier scorers when he’s healthy. The Pelicans are likely to be the team offering him that lucrative extension, given that they can offer him the most money by keeping him in New Orleans.
However, if the unfortunate scenario of another Zion injury were to unfold, or if the Pelicans decide to pivot away from building around two injury-prone stars, Brandon Ingram could potentially find himself on the trade block. In such a scenario, the Detroit Pistons might emerge as a team with a vested interest.
The Detroit Pistons have the salary cap flexibility to make contracts align, although they may need to bolster their trade package to secure a player of Ingram’s caliber. The Pelicans find themselves in a challenging situation regarding these two stars, making it a situation worth monitoring for the Detroit Pistons and other teams looking to capitalize on potential trade opportunities.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Article Gaze journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.