The Atlanta Hawks’ continued trade interest in this former All-Star talent was revealed by one league insider.
The Atlanta Hawks are still regarded as one of the most interesting teams in the NBA, with much of the attention going toward its star backcourt after the 2024 NBA Draft.
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have not made a trade request in public. However, since the deadline, both have been the subject of conjecture because their combination hasn’t helped the team reach the heights that were anticipated. Among those mentioned in discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans was Murray.
The Hawks’ alleged persistent interest in Brandon Ingram has brought those discussions back into the spotlight.
“Atlanta is another popular landing spot league figures have pointed to for Ingram, but since the two teams discussed trade scenarios regarding Dejounte Murray before February’s trade deadline, sources said, there have been no substantive talks between the Hawks and Pelicans,” Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer wrote on June 28.
“Sources said that the Hawks are expected to evaluate trade options for Murray, Clint Capela, All-Star guard Trae Young, and the remaining players on their roster who aren’t Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher.”
During the previous season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 35.5% from beyond the arc. He’s about to enter the last year of a $158.2 million, five-year contract. For 2024–2025, Ingram will deduct $36 million from the salary ceiling.
Having started the 2016 NBA Draft as the second overall pick, Ingram has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Last season, he made 64 appearances, which was a record since his rookie year. In the postseason, he was also taken off the court at crucial times.
In addition to his contract problems, this created trade rumors, with the Hawks being one of the teams rumored to be interested.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, there is “a growing belief leaguewide that Pelicans will aggressively explore the trade market for Brandon Ingram before next season” (subscription needed). “Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Orlando, four teams in the Eastern Conference, have already been mentioned as possible trade partners for Ingram.” This offseason, trade negotiations between the two parties were anticipated to resume.
The Pelicans communicated with the Atlanta Hawks before to the February trade deadline. As for those conversations, expect them to pick back up this summer, Christian Clark of NOLA.com said in May. The Pelicans might try to wrangle Murray or Young away if they get the Hawks back into the game. League insiders indicated that the Pelicans are more interested in Murray even though Young is the more skilled player. Compared to the 6-1 Young, the 6-5 Murray is not as much of a defensive liability.
Both as the Hawks’ No. 2 option and as a questionable defender, there are concerns about Ingram’s suitability.
The Hawks’ 38.4% shooting percentage from outside the arc last season was the third-highest in the NBA.
On June 4, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report stated, “Ingram would not only have to be a No. 2 on offense, but he wouldn’t be as protected on the other end, regardless of whether he was alongside Young or Murray in Atlanta.” ”
The arrival of Risacher casts doubt on the Hawks’ possible need for Ingram. It would not be ideal to add another player to his position group; instead, the goal should be to support his development.
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