The New Orleans Pelicans were swept out of the NBA Playoffs after barely surviving the NBA Play-In Tournament gauntlet without Zion Williamson. The Philadelphia 76ers lasted six games with a hobbled Joel Embiid against the New York Knicks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the brink of elimination in a Western Conference Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks. All three teams had their weaknesses exposed in the postseason and are facing monumental, franchise-altering offseasons. One deal could alleviate some pressure off of all three organizations, however, and it includes Brandon Ingram.
All three have a problem another can help fix. For the Pelicans, the Brandon Ingram trade market started mild but there is plenty of time to fire up the phone lines for his expiring deal. Karl Anthony-Towns might be the odd man out in Minnesota given their ownership custody battle and looming luxury tax bill. The Sixers have the cap space to acquire any available All-Star and have to keep Joel Embiid satisfied. There has to at least be one group chat created between the three front offices, if for nothing else to monitor the market prices for everyone’s assets.
The Pelicans are not an over-the-apron team, so they are only able to take back 125% of the salary they are sending out, plus $250,000. That means two players from a group of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, EJ Liddell and Jose Alvarado have to be included to make the deal happen. All three can stay in New Orleans if the Pelicans are willing to give up Dyson Daniels or Jordan Hawkins to make the swap happen. Preferably the Pelicans would keep those recent draftees and, if needed, sweeten the deal with future draft assets instead.
Pelicans acquire: Karl Anthony-Towns
Timberwolves acquire: Paul Reed, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, draft compensation
76ers acquire: Brandon Ingram, EJ Liddell
Pelicans saying “Let’s talk needs!”
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) looks on
The Pelicans need an offensively versatile big man who can patrol defense alongside Herb Jones. KAT is not a traditional rim-protective center, but a season in Willie Green’s locker room can do wonders on that end of the court. New Orleans also needs a star under contract for multiple seasons. Ingram’s expiring deal is adding a world of pressure for a decision to be made on his future.
Anthony-Towns is signed up for another three seasons. Minnesota would be looking to move on from KAT due to money and Naz Reid’s breakout NBA Playoffs campaign. The 76ers, meanwhile, would get a third star to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Philadelphia can clear the cap space to fit Ingram into the fold. The rest of the finances would be tricky filling out the roster but the championship core would be in place. The 76ers would have to add most of the draft compensation going to Minnesota as well.
New Orleans would net starting big man and have a more certain financial future. The Timberwolves would clear over $40 million to avoid the second apron of the luxury tax. They would also net a couple of role players to add depth for the grueling Western Conference slate to come next season. Philadelphia would have another convincing argument in Ingram for their fans and Embiid to Trust the Process.
So, who says no and hangs up the phone on a good deal? Pelicans EVP David Griffin will not know until the other two teams are dialed up. Then the dealing really begins.
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