Grizzlies predicted to trade former Celtics guard to Pelicans for All-Star wing

“Injuries have sent New Orleans into a downward spiral—so much so that it may be time to think of 2024-25 as a gap year,” Favale said.

“Regardless of which path the Pelicans wish to travel down, they have to figure out the Brandon Ingram situation. If they do not plan on paying him or jettisoning those who make it easier to pay him (CJ McCollum), they need to move BI himself.”

“The Grizzlies are among the few teams you can talk yourself into needing and valuing him enough to send New Orleans real value. And even that might be a stretch following Ja Morant's right hip injury.”

“Despite a murky timetable for his return, though, the Grizzlies should be looking to tread water and, more specifically, strengthen their half-court offense. Ingram can do that if he continues getting up almost seven threes per game.”

“Taking on Smart (one year, $21.6 million) and Clarke (two years, $25 million) is not going to thrill the Pelicans. And while Williams looked the part of a floor-spacing ball-handler who could guard up last season, he has yet to play this year due to a left leg injury.”

“Breaking up Ingram to smaller, more movable deals and a first-rounder nevertheless holds merit. Smart can help the defense upon return. Clarke deepens the big-man rotation. And a healthy Williams, arguably, has first-round value himself.”