Getty Image / Stephen Lew
Over the past few days, the New Orleans Pelicans have found themselves at the center of some of the NBA’s most notable trade rumors.
There were talks about the Pelicans looking to move up in the draft.
Among those talks were rumors that they could use Zion Williamson as part of a trade to get themselves one of the top picks in this year’s draft, with the Rockets and their 4th pick being named as a potential suitor.
Now it seems there is another team picking in the top 5 who could potentially make a deal with the Pelicans, but it is actually a different star that they are looking to get in return.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Pelicans want to draft Scoot Henderson, but the Charlotte Hornets aren’t interested in Zion Williamson for the draft’s 2nd pick. Instead, they would want Brandon Ingram in a deal for the pick.
"To my knowledge the Pelicans haven't called the Hornets and offered Zion for the number two pick..
The Pelicans want Scoot Henderson and I'm told that the Hornets would want Brandon Ingram" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/xsSv6YnYYA
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 16, 2023
Ingram is definitely the more appealing trade piece of the two right now.
He may be a few years older than Zion, but while Zion has barely played in the last few years, Ingram has developed into a true star.
This past season, Ingram averaged a career-high 24.7 points while also grabbing 5.5 rebounds and dishing out 5.8 assists per game for the Pelicans.
It would be pretty surprising to see the New Orleans Pelicans deal Ingram with how big of an impact he has had for the organization since they acquired him in the Anthony Davis deal, but if they want Henderson badly enough then they just may need to part with him.
Otherwise they could have to hope the Hornets end up drafting Brandon Miller and the Blazers are open to a deal for somebody other than Ingram for pick 3.