The recent NBA trade deadline may not have been as eventful as anticipated, but that doesn’t mean the upcoming offseason won’t bring surprises and significant changes. The Ringer has compiled various potential scenarios that NBA fans could witness this summer, including the possibility of the New Orleans Pelicans making some alterations to their roster. An anonymous executive from the Eastern Conference shared with The Ringer that the Pelicans will have to make a decision between Zion and Ingram, a choice that is expected to happen in the coming months.
The Pelicans boast a talented group of young players, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the charge. However, as the team continues to pay its players more, it becomes increasingly challenging for a team of their caliber. It may come to a point, potentially in the near future, where the Pelicans opt to focus on one major star while surrounding them with a supporting cast.
The question then arises: will it be Williamson or Ingram? A few years ago, the answer would have undoubtedly been Williamson, the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, concerns about his health and conditioning, stemming from multiple injuries over the years, have led the team to potentially shift their focus towards Ingram. Ingram has been performing well, averaging 21.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Ideally, the Pelicans would prefer to retain both Williamson and Ingram. However, their salary constraints may make it impossible to do so. Consequently, they may have to explore trading one of these two stars. Despite being the sixth-best team in the Western Conference and enjoying relatively good health throughout the season, the front office may still consider breaking up the team this summer.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com