Hawks Refused to Trade Brandon Ingram for Completely Inexplicable Reason

Most of the high-profile player moves of the 2024 NBA offseason have already been completed. However, the status of a few other stars is worth monitoring, including New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram.

According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Scoop B RadioThe Pelicans”to want” Ingram – and the feeling is said to be mutual. Still, the two sides remain far apart in contract extension negotiations, prompting New Orleans to “actively“Explore shopping destinations.

Ingram is seeking a four-year contract worth up to $208 million, though the Pelicans have apparently drawn a line in the sand. $160-180 The huge financial deficit undoubtedly puts New Orleans in a difficult position.

One team that was heavily linked to Ingram before the free-agent market hit was the Atlanta Hawks. However, the Pelicans reached a deal with them less than two weeks ago that brought combo point guard Dejounte Murray to New Orleans, excluding the 26-year-old.

Despite widespread speculation that a Murray-Ingram trade could help both organizations, the Pelicans forward was ultimately cut from the deal. According to William Guillory of The Athletic ($), Atlanta opted not to add the player who improved the most in 2019-20. And while that may seem understandable, the logic behind the decision-making process is puzzling.

It’s understandable that Guillory would say the Hawks weren’t really interested in paying Ingram after acquiring him. However, the Pelicans reporter added that Atlanta didn’t want to part with “either of its top two centers” — Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu.

Choosing to keep Okongwu makes sense. He’s just 23, can block the basket and is improving as a three-point shooter. His skills, age and the fact that he’ll be entering a four-year, $61.98 million extension he signed in 2023 make him a valuable asset. But why not part ways with Capela, who is entering the final season of his current contract?

After veteran Jonas Valančiūnas left this summer, the Pelicans need to bolster their frontcourt. With Okongwu looking like the long-term solution for the Hawks, why not reroute Capela?

Even if the Hawks aren’t interested in keeping Ingram, he’d be a rental player that would allow Okongwu to step into a starting role. Plus, it would allow them to assess the former’s fit alongside All-Star general Trae Young before making any final moves. Regardless, Atlanta had shopped around Capela. Why not use his expiring salary to take a risk on a proven commodity?

In 2023-24, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting .492/.355/.801.