The Utah Jazz were linked to Brandon Ingram during the offseason. As unlikely as the pairing sounded, Ingram was mentioned as a Jazz trade target, though nothing came of that in the end. Now, we know why.
Even worse, the reason why is something that Jazz fans are all too familiar with. New Orleans-based reporter Shamit Dua reported on his Substack that it was Ingram who shut down all the trade talks between Utah and New Orleans.
"Multiple league sources have relayed to me that the Pelicans and Jazz were deep in talks which were shut down by Ingram’s lack of desire to re-sign in Salt Lake City," Dua wrote.
Dua then gave potential theories for why Ingram turned down the opportunity to join Jazz.
"Nonetheless, either Ingram just doesn't want any part of Utah, or feels he can get comparable money in a better situation. This part remains to be seen and is what Klutch will be asked to tackle."
This is a sitgma that's existed with the Jazz for quite some time now. Top-notch players don't want to join the Jazz because it's not desirable destination. That is, unless they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with beforehand.
Utah isn't there right now, though they have the assets to get there. Lauri Markkanen called out the myth that Utah isn't a fun place to play during Media Day, and Markkanen is good enough that pairing him with Ingram could have given the Jazz a more entertaining product.
1 of Ingram's former teammates plays for the Jazz
Ingram has every right to feel the way he does about playing in Salt Lake City. However, if he wanted to hear from a direct source, he could have asked Jordan Clarkson, who's been playing for the Jazz since 2019.
Ingram and Clarkson played together for the Lakers for a season and a half from 2016 to 2018. They are more than familiar with each other, so if Ingram really wanted to know what playing for the Jazz is like, Clarkson could have filled him in.
Clarkson has embraced the Jazz since he was traded there in 2019. While Clarkson proved even before he got to Utah that he can score, it was the Jazz who showed how to be an effective scorer, which led to him winnign Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.
Since coming into the NBA two years after Clarkson, Ingram has also shown how good he can be when he's on the floor, but it hasn't translated into much team success for him. The Jazz's development staff could help him find the footing that Clarkson has.
Even if Ingram isn't interested in that, Clarkson's success is good evidence that Ingram's career could definitely gets the boost it needs if he came to Salt Lake too.