The Utah Jazz and Brandon Ingram. Name two basketball entities that one would never think would cross paths no matter what. Well, despite the union on paper not making any sense, apparently he might just be on the Jazz's radar.
NOLA.com's Christian Clark revealed on "From the Wing" that Ingram might pop up on their radar if and when Lauri Markkanen signs his extension. It's been highly reported throughout the offseason that the Pelicans are looking to trade Ingram, but the Jazz would seemingly be the last destination for him to go, knowing where they are. Or are they?
If the Jazz commit to the tank, Markkanen or no, this doesn't make much sense, but maybe there's more a possible Ingram acquisition than meets the eye.
The Jazz can get an All-Star-caliber player for less than what he's worth
Ingram has averaged 20 points a game for the last five seasons. On top of that, he's also a talented playmaker for his size. What's weighing him down from having more recognition is injury issues, as the only time he's played close to a full season was his rookie season. Since then, he's played as many as 64 games and as few as 45.
Because he's on an expiring contract, too, Ingram's value is lower than it typically would be. If that's not enough, acquiring Dejounte Murray further put Ingram's role with the Pelicans into question since it doesn't make much sense to have two playmaking wings on the roster.
The Jazz have a lot of cap room, but not quite enough to outright absorb the $36 million Ingram is owed for the 2024-25 season. Still, it wouldn't take much to get him given their cap flexibility.
The Jazz could knock out two birds with one stone
Again, the Jazz can't add Ingram to their payroll without giving up any salary in return. However, they could use this to their advantage. Including John Collins and Jordan Clarkson in a trade for Ingram works.
They would get rid of two players who they clearly want to trade away while getting an all-around upgrade. Ingram isn't a young kid, but he's far from old, and his skillset could make the Jazz better in the short term.
And for what it's worth, it's not like the Pelicans would get completely ripped off. They would save a lot of money if they took Clarkson for Ingram, then could use Clarkson in a trade down the line while he could help them during the 2024-25 season.
Even if they took back Collins, that would save them money, would give them a big man who fits next to Zion Williamson, and again, someone who they could trade down the line.
Brandon Ingram potentially gives the Jazz even more versatility
It's pretty easy to understand why the Jazz won't part with Lauri Markkanen. He's not only an All-Star player who's entering his prime, but he's one of the league's most unique players because he's a floor-stretching seven-footer who can play both inside and out. More than that, despite his tall frame, he can play small forward sometimes.
Ingram fits a similar mold. He and Markkanen are not the same player, but in the right system, he can be an amazing asset. He's 6'10'' but can score and playmake, which can work quite well with the right amount of people.
That's all on paper, and because the Pelicans haven't benefited much from him, which is why he's available. While doubters can assert that his playing style hasn't translated into much, remember what Markkanen was before the Jazz got him. It hasn't translated into wins either, but that's because the Jazz haven't focused on building a winner.
Ingram could make the Jazz tougher to beat. That may not necessarily be the Jazz's best option, but getting that for cheap is far from the worst.
Brandon Ingram gives the Jazz options
As long as they're not giving up too much, Ingram is worth a flyer. His contract will expire in 2025. If he takes the Jazz a step further, that works out great for them in the long-term. If he doesn't, it won't hurt them much.
If the Jazz decide he's not worth it by mid-season, suddenly, he becomes a trade asset for teams trying to load up for their playoff run. If he is worth it, they could keep and potentially at a discount knowing that teams are trying to save money to avoid tax aprons.
One of the Jazz's biggest question is what are their long-term plans? Ingram could potentially paint a clearer picture one way or the other.
Again, it's understandable if fans aren't too keen on adding Ingram to this team. He's a win-now talent to a Utah team that plans to focus on adding win-later talent.
Ingram doesn't turn the Jazz into a contender, but he wouldn't be a cap-crippling catastrophe like, say, Zach LaVine would be. While the Jazz might be better off keeping their options open, all in all, there isn't much long-term risk in making a trade for Ingram.