Mock Trade: Hornets Receive Brandon Ingram From Pelicans

Monday evening, some big news dropped as Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the New Orleans Pelicans are "seriously pursuing a top 2-3 pick" in the draft, with their eyes set on Scoot Henderson.

Regardless of whether or not Charlotte Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak is interested in moving out of No. 2, that report has to be music to his ears.

Why?

Because it gives the Hornets options and they can drive up the price on a potential trade with New Orleans. Because let's be honest, if the Pelicans don't get to No. 2, they're not getting Henderson.

So, what would a potential trade between Charlotte and New Orleans look like? I'll do one centered around Brandon Ingram today and tomorrow we'll create one around either Zion Williamson or a slew of picks.

What Charlotte is getting:

Brandon Ingram gives the Hornets a top-level scorer to go alongside LaMelo Ball, something they've desperately needed. I would argue that pairing these two together will allow Ingram to make another jump offensively and become one of the more prolific scorers in the NBA.

Acquiring Herb Jones in the deal allows Charlotte to, if they choose, save a little bit of money (for now) by letting Miles Bridges or P.J. Washington walk in free agency. He's one of the best young defensive players in the game, which fits the identity of a Steve Clifford-coached team. He offers quality production on the offensive end as well shooting 47% from the field and 33% from three.

As far as the draft picks are concerned, yes, it would be ideal for Charlotte to land the Pelicans' No. 14 pick but that's not happening with Jones and an additional first in the mix. The Hornets don't have a first-round pick in 2024 as of now but they address that here in this trade along with a future first down the road via Milwaukee.

What New Orleans is getting:

The Pelicans give up a lot but they get the guy they have their eyes on, Scoot Henderson, who is arguably the best player in the draft not named Victor Wembanyama.

Gordon Hayward has been viewed as an untradeable asset the past couple of years due to his inability to stay on the court paired with his rather large contract. But he's entering the final year of his deal, so there's no long-term commitment concern here for New Orleans. If he stays relatively healthy, they'll be thrilled and could maybe offer him a one-year deal to return the following season.

This gives New Orleans a strong starting five of Scoot Henderson, CJ McCollum, Gordon Hayward, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas.

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