New blockbuster three-team trade proposal sends Brandon Ingram to Dallas, Hawks and Pelicans add depth

NBA media days and training camps are beginning and the 2024-2025 NBA season is just a month away. There was a lot of movement this offseason, but one player who wasn't moved was Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. There were a lot of rumors at the start of the offseason that Ingram would be on the trade block and potentially move, but the Pelicans still have him on the roster.

The only trade they made was trading for former Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. They sent Atlanta a package that included Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance and a pair of first-round picks, but some were surprised that the Pelicans didn't get a center, particularly Clint Capela, and that the Hawks had no interest in acquiring Ingram.

Although Ingram is a talented player, there were no suitors willing to trade for him. Ingram is dealing with injuries, doesn't make many threes, needs the ball in his hands and, probably most importantly, he wants a massive contract when he expires this year. That makes things difficult, but at some point something has to give, right?

The Mavericks made a big move this offseason when they signed and traded former Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson, but they have stuck with their team. Given the low market value for Ingram, could they try to buy cheap to get back to the NBA Finals?

Let's look at a hypothetical trade.

It should be noted that this is only a speculative and entertaining exercise to see what moves can be made, not what I think the Hawks should or will do. That's all.

Atlanta hosts: Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum

Dallas hosts: Brandon Ingram

New Orleans receives: Clint Capela, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber and a 2025 second-round pick (via Denver or Philadelphia)

Why Atlanta is doing this deal: They move Capela's expiring contract and get good depth to fill gaps in the squad. There have been a lot of rumors about Capela this offseason, but the Hawks value him and won't move him for anything. With this deal they get a backup center in Gafford, a good young player in Hardy and a backup ball handler in Exum, who was also a great shooter for the Mavericks last season. Atlanta could use more shooting and may need a backup ballplayer behind Trae Young. They also save money and stay under the luxury tax.

Why Atlanta won't do this deal: You may value Capela more than this package. Gafford is a reliable center, but the other players are a bit risky. Exum came out of nowhere to have the same season as last year and it may not be able to be repeated.

Why New Orleans is making this deal: You get a starting center and starting depth at the position. They won't have to worry about paying Ingram in the future and won't be tied to Capela long-term. They selected Yves Missi in the first round this summer and Capela would be a good bridge until he is ready. Powell is a solid backup and Kleber makes them a strong team. The Pelicans could have a starting lineup of Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson and Capela. They could bring CJ McCollum, Kleber, Powell, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins off the bench. This is a team that could make the playoffs.

Why New Orleans won't make this deal: You may want a younger center than Capela and one that has been there longer than a year. It doesn't look like they want to pay Ingram and they should get as much as they can, but is this the best they can do? Kleber is often injured and Powell is just an average backup. By taking this step, they will also pay the luxury tax this season that they never paid.

Why Dallas is doing this deal: They go all-in to build a competitor. They were close to winning the title last year and added Thompson. This team doesn't have a lot of resources to make a big move, but they could shop cheaply for Ingram, similar to how they did Kyrie Irving. Some of the players they send are solid, but Ingram is young and has made an all-star team. They would still have the depth they need with PJ Washington, Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes on the bench.

Why Dallas won't do this deal: After trading for Washington and Gafford at the trade deadline last year, this team fit together really well and played very well, especially on defense. They had one of the best records in the league at the deadline and seem content to make up for it this year with Thompson. Would Ingram fit on this team? He's a player who needs the ball in his hands, he's a below-average defender (which was a problem with Dallas), and he doesn't shoot many threes. If you make this move, you will most likely have to pay Ingram for it because you are trading away good contracts and have no draft picks to move around.

This deal is highly unlikely, but there will still be rumors surrounding Ingram and the Pelicans have a huge hole in the middle. The Hawks also have a trading center. When it comes to big trades in the NBA, there can be surprise teams involved, and that's where Dallas comes into play.