Report: Sacramento Kings pursuing trade for Brandon Ingram

As NBA free agents continue to come off of the board, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly working on a trade that would bring a high-scoring wing to the 916.

According to FOX 40’s Sean Cunningham, the Kings are pursuing a trade for New Orleans Pelicans talent and one-time All-Star forward Brandon Ingram.

Sacramento is in the market for a forward, and Ingram–one of the more enticing trade candidates in the early stages of the offseason–appears to be on the radar of Kings general manager Monte McNair.

Ingram, 26, is 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.

Sources confirm Sacramento Kings are pursuing a trade for Brandon Ingram. I’m told Kings have had discussions with the Pelicans and it’s worth noting, Ingram was an emerging star under coach Alvin Gentry, who works in Kings front office.

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) June 30, 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.

Sacramento Kings 2024 Summer Schedule

California Classic | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, CA

• Saturday, July 6th – vs. Chinese National Team – 7:30 PM PDT
• Sunday, July 7th – vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PDT
• Tuesday, July 9th – vs. Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM PDT

NBA Offseason Schedule

• 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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