Knicks could shock NBA, trade $213 million wing for Pelicans All-Star | Sporting News

It’s not a matter of if the New Orleans Pelicans are going to trade Brandon Ingram, but a matter of when (before February 6).

While brainstorming Ingram packages from the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, the idea sneaks up on one that the New York Knicks could trade for Ingram, too.

What could the Knicks offer for Ingram?

New York should probably stay away from any big roster moves, to be clear. Entering Sunday, the Knicks found themselves owners of the fourth-best record in the NBA at 23-9, just a half game back of the defending champion Boston Celtics.

Come playoff time, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is expected to ride with no more than six or seven guys, per usual for Thibs.

Expected Knicks playoff rotation

• Jalen Brunson
• Josh Hart
• Mikal Bridges
• OG Anunoby
• Karl Anthony Towns
• Miles McBride (bench)
• Mitchell Robinson (bench if healthy)

Especially if Robinson gets healthy again, that’s a very good top seven.

But is it enough offense? The Knicks will be able to wear down most teams with their gritty, defensive-minded style, and while adding KAT this offseason was a huge boost for their offense, New York might still struggle to keep scoring pace with a team like the Boston Celtics.

Should the Knicks go after Ingram to solve the above issue?

They’d have to give up Anunoby to get Ingram — there’s no other trade that really works. New Orleans might take up the Knicks on that offer, especially since Anunoby could slide right into their starting lineup and remain there for the rest of his contract (player option in 2028-29).

This trade would be an epic risk for the Knicks, and there’s probably less than a five percent chance that anyone in their front office would even consider the move, especially since they’d be in danger of losing Ingram to free agency this summer.

If for some reason the Knicks felt that Ingram’s elite offense would be more of what they need to compete in the playoffs than Anunoby’s two-way value, well then, the Pelicans would certainly be open to the conversation.

On the other hand, another Eastern Conference contender might be calling New Orleans about Ingram, that being the Cleveland Cavaliers. What would the Cavs’ offer look like? Find out below.

More NBA: Juicy trade packages for Brandon Ingram: Cleveland Cavaliers