Insider outlines Jazz's potential trade package for Brandon Ingram
By Matt John
The Utah Jazz have made perhaps their biggest move of the offseason when they re-signed Lauri Markkanen, and they might not be done.
In an August 5 story, NOLA.com's Christian Clark mentioned that there are people in the NBA who believe the Jazz may target Brandon Ingram. He also outlined what the Jazz could potentially trade for Ingram.
"The Jazz are a team NBA insiders have circled as being a potential Ingram suitor. The bigs on Utah’s roster include Walker Kessler, John Collins, Drew Eubanks and Kyle Filipowski."
Clark then explained how specifically Kessler and Collins could appeal to the Pelicans.
"Kessler, who’s still on his rookie contract, offers rim protection, a quality Pelicans executive David Griffin has been seeking to add for more than a year. Collins primarily plays power forward, but he can step in at center in small-ball lineups. He offers athleticism and serviceable outside shooting."
A swap between the two sides make sense because the Pelicans desperately need another big man since they lost Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr. If their season started today, their starting center would be Daniel Theis.
Jazz have been named as Brandon Ingram suitor
Clark himself originally mentioned that the Jazz would be interested in Ingram after they resolved the Lauri Markkanen situation sometime beforehand. He delved into this a bit on the July 26 episode of "From the Wing."
"Another thing I've heard is, assuming Lauri gets extended in Utah, I think it is possible the Jazz are one of the teams maybe interested in Brandon Ingram here. I think they would have some interest in Brandon Ingram, assuming Lauri stays."
With Markkanen now officially staying once he signs on the dotted line on August 7, now more rumors coud heat up tying Ingram to the Jazz.
It might be a tad confusing since the Jazz's current plans are to rebuild even with Markkanen onboard for the long haul, or at the very least, the 2024-25 season. However, acquiring Ingram could send the message that the Jazz have every intention to compete even if they won't be a very good team.
Ingram is on an expiring contract, but if he's another step in the right direction, the Jazz might be fools to pass that up.