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Golden State Warriors: Brandon Ingram should be top trade target

By Tony Pesta

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 04, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 04, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors should be setting their sights on Brandon Ingram and monitoring his potential availability this summer.

The Golden State Warriors have been playing hot potato with star assets over the last few months but this final potential move to acquire Brandon Ingram would be the one to end them all.

Ingram is having a breakout season with the New Orleans Pelicans and is 13th in the league for scoring with 24.7 points per game. He reached his first All-Star game this season and is set to hit the market as a restricted free agent this summer.

At 22 years of age, it’s strange to think the Pelicans would feel fit letting a prospect like Ingram walk. However, most execs around the league reportedly believe Ingram isn’t worth a max contract. This means Ingram could end up going to the highest bidder if David Griffin is one of the members who don’t see Ingram’s value as a max player.

Furthermore, the Pelicans are focused on clearing way for Zion Williamson. The sensational rookie is already averaging 23.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, capturing the hearts of Pelicans fans immediately. It is unclear if Ingram fits alongside Zion longterm and there is no question who the franchise is favoring at the moment.

Because of this, the Warriors may be able to sneak in as trade partners to acquire Ingram at the season’s end. A package of Andrew Wiggins and a first-round pick may be all it takes to steal Ingram.

This would be a good move for the Warriors as Ingram is a much more natural fit as a pure scoring small forward. He has already shown more consistency and has a higher ceiling than the 24-year old Wiggins.

Ingram will not only benefit the team as they look to compete for a title this season but could act as a franchise cornerstone throughout the decade. He is the prototypical second coming of Kevin Durant, making him a no-brainer for the Warriors to acquire.

Though some fans are setting their hopes on trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo come June, it is much more realistic for the Warriors to be targeting Ingram.

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