After opting not to pursue Trae Young and seeing Lauri Markkanen sign an extension with the Utah Jazz, the San Antonio Spurs may now be eyeing Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans as the best player currently on the trade market.
The Spurs have a promising young core, financial flexibility, and a wealth of draft assets, putting them in a position to potentially make a deal for Ingram. However, their focus this offseason has largely been on internal development, which may explain why a trade has yet to materialize.
Brandon Ingram, 27, is coming off a solid season where he averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, but he hasn’t made an All-Star appearance in four years. He’s owed $36 million for the upcoming season and is seeking a lucrative contract extension, something the Pelicans can’t afford but the Spurs could. This makes him an intriguing trade target for San Antonio, as they could lock him down long-term, though questions remain about whether it’s worth it.
Ingram would likely slot in as the Spurs’ third-best player, assuming Devin Vassell continues to progress and younger players like Jeremy Sochan and Stephon Castle reach their higher potential. While Ingram would bring valuable scoring to the team, his limitations on defense are a concern. However, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggests that San Antonio’s system might help Ingram improve defensively, writing, “If there’s an organization and coaching staff that might finally be able to leverage Ingram’s frame toward really good defense, it might be San Antonio.”
Though Ingram’s fit within the Spurs’ system is not perfect, their versatile core could accommodate his offensive style, provided he adjusts to a reduced number of touches. As the Pelicans risk losing him for nothing in free agency next summer, their asking price may drop, which could lead the Spurs to make a move. If the deal only requires parting with Zach Collins and a couple of picks, it might be a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for San Antonio to consider.
