Report: Kings ‘a team to monitor’ if Brandon Ingram is traded

New Orleans Pelicans and forward Brandon Ingram could become available via trade this coming weekend when the NBA’s 2024-25 business year–as well as the start of free agency–begins this Sunday, June 30th, at 3:00 PM PDT.

According to a report from Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer, Ingram is expected to be made available to interested teams if he and the Pelicans cannot agree on a contract extension.

Ingram, 26, would be the Pelicans’ main trade chip this summer as he enters the final season of his five-year, $158 million that he signed before the 2020-21 season.

The Sacramento Kings are one team in the market for a big piece this summer, and Fischer’s report indicates that the ‘Beam Team’ could be a trade option for New Orleans if Ingram is placed on the trade block.

There’s plenty of trade activity to come, just like Detroit’s deal for Tim Hardaway Jr. that we had to scrap from what was filed last night! More on the shaping offseason landscape @YahooSports: https://t.co/4e2SdvkL3k

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 28, 2024

One team to monitor for Ingram would be Sacramento. The Kings have been weighing paths to acquire various wings, sources said, from Kyle Kuzma to Zach LaVine, and Ingram could be another option for Sacramento to explore, sources said.

The Kings have veteran wings Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, whom Sacramento placed on the trade market last deadline, sources said, and their two salaries combine for almost a perfect match to meet Ingram’s $36 million expiring number for 2024-25.

Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer – June 28, 2024

More on Brandon Ingram

New Orleans has two players–defensive wing Herb Jones and two-way threat Trey Murphy III–that could be in line for extended playing time in 2024-25, meaning the franchise could use forward Brandon Ingram to upgrade its roster in other areas.

Jones, who inked a four-year, $53 million deal before the 2023-24 season, and Murphy, who will enter restricted free agency next summer, have made Ingram somewhat expendable for the Pelicans.

The one-time All-Star averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 49/35/80 shooting splits over 64 games during this past season for the New Orleans team that ended Sacramento’s season in the eighth-seed Play-In game.

With Jones and Murphy–who came off of the bench in 34 of his 57 appearances–ready to take over as the Pelicans’ starting small and power forwards, it’s no surprise that New Orleans is looking to trade Ingram, who will be in the final year of his contract next season ($36 million).

Sacramento has been linked to Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine in the early stages of the offseason, but adding Ingram–who is on an expiring contract–could be a more enticing option for Kings general manager Monte McNair.

By offloading Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes’ contracts, Sacramento could have more financial flexibility if Ingram walks in free agency following the 2024-25 season. Of course, a trade for Ingram could include draft compensation in the form of multiple first-round picks, something that the Kings would be unlikely to part with for a one-year rental.

Following the decision to trade Davion Mitchell and Sasha Vezenkov to the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento is now $14.7 million under the first salary tax apron, giving them some flexibility to bring back salary. If a deal can’t be made with the Pelicans, the Kings still have the resources to make a notable move and upgrade a starting five that needs a face-lift.

When is the next NBA off-season date of interest?

Now that the NBA Draft is in the rearview, all eyes will shift to the start of free agency.

All 30 teams will be able to negotiate free-agent deals with players beginning this Sunday, June 30th, at 3:00 PM PDT.

Sacramento already did some heavy lifting by agreeing to a four-year, $78 million deal with Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Monk, as the two sides agreed on a long-term contract last weekend.

Stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Kings free agency coverage, including player profiles, trade rumors, and much more.

NBA Offseason Schedule

• Wednesday, June 26-Thursday, June 27th – 2024 NBA Draft
• Sunday, June 30th – Free Agent negotiating window opens (3 PM PST)
• Saturday, July 6th – Free Agents can officially sign contracts
• July 12-22nd – Las Vegas Summer League
• July 27-August 11th – 2024 Olympic Games
• Friday, September 27th – NBA training camps begin

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