The San Antonio Spurs struck gold with the Victor Wembanyama draft selection, and now Gregg Popovich and Co. are tasked with getting the Frenchman some running mates. The Spurs could improve the roster by dipping into their estimated $20 million in cap space, but they don’t quite have enough to sign the best free agents available, such as Paul George or LeBron James.
Yet, the Spurs also have a collection of picks, including the fourth and eighth selections in the 2024 NBA Draft, which could be used to get involved in the trade market for a star talent. One option that’s been frequently mentioned in NBA trade rumors this offseason is Brandon Ingram as the Pelicans try shaping their best long-term roster around Zion Williamson.
Now, former Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks, who now works for ESPN, floated the idea of the Spurs making an aggressive trade offer to New Orleans in exchange for the one-time All-Star.
“One scenario in which San Antonio could improve now but not strip its flexibility is to sign veteran point guard Tyus Jones and then look to trade for Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. A starting five of Jones, Devin Vassell, Ingram, Jeremy Sochan and Wembanyama, along with two first-round picks in the top eight (if both are kept), is a strong foundation to build on.”
ESPN’s Bobby Marks on Spurs trade idea for Brandon Ingram
While Ingram is far from a superstar, he’d be an ideal fit in San Antonio, providing a reliable scorer who averages 19.4 PPG in his career to pair with Victor Wembanyama, who still has more growing to do offensively.
Ingram is headed into the final year of his Pelicans contract, where he’s set to earn $36 million. Still just 26, he’d fit the Spurs’ desire to reach the playoffs next season.
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