The New Orleans Pelicans quickly went from a team expected to be in the Western Conference playoff picture to one that could be sold at this year’s trade deadline. While it’s a little too early to make such a prediction, New Orleans is currently without Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins.

Those injury woes have the Pelicans dead last in the Western Conference with a 3-9 record through 12 games. If New Orleans decides to sell, free agent Brandon Ingram should draw some interest.

In a recent article, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed a deal that sends Ingram to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Deandre Ayton.

Via Bailey: “For the Blazers, Ingram’s $36 million salary is close to Ayton’s $34 million, but he has an expiring deal while Ayton is under contract through 2025-26. He doesn’t make much sense for a rebuilding team, but Portland can easily let him walk next summer and have some added flexibility without Ayton’s final year on the cards.”

New Orleans may be forced to do something with Ingram at the deadline if they’re still near the bottom of the Western Conference. Losing a single All-Star for nothing in free agency would be an unfortunate outcome, especially if he has some trade value.

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