NBA Trade Rumors: 3 trade destinations for Brandon Ingram

The Lakers continue to be linked with a number of All-Star's around the NBA, and due to this, a number of their current roster face an uncertain future. Lonzo Ball, Rajon Rondo, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have all been linked with a trade away from the team in recent weeks, while speculation is currently mounting on the future of Brandon Ingram.

The 21-year-old has recently returned from injury, although the forward's minutes and productivity are down from the 17/18 season. After being selected by the Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Ingram looked to be an integral part of the franchise's future, although there are doubts over whether the youngster can operate in the same starting five as LeBron James.

Nevertheless, Ingram has shown enough quality in his first two years in the league to get a number of NBA teams excited, and here we will look at three potential trade destinations for Ingram.

#3 Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers

Despite regularly being overlooked at the beginning of each NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers have developed into one of the best teams in the Western Conference. The franchise has reached the postseason in five consecutive seasons, and last year the team finished just one place below the Golden State Warriors.

Despite this, questions remain over whether the Blazers can win with the duo of Damian Lillard and C. J. McCollum, as both players have incredibly similar skillsets. Brandon Ingram would give the team a very different offensive threat, and the Lakers are also known to be looking for a new All-Star calibre point-guard. A trade involving Ingram and McCollum could be in the interest of both teams, and it has even been suggested by an NBA executive.

#2 Washington Wizards

During the 2018 offseason, the Wizards added Dwight Howard to an already very expensive roster. Despite this, the team has once again failed to live up to the expectations, and the Wizards have been in disarray in the early part of the season, recording a 14-23 start.

Due to the Wizards disastrous start the season, reports have claimed that the team is looking to trade the All-Star duo of Bradley Beal and John Wall. Nevertheless, the Washington team has yet to enter into serious discussions with a potential suitor, and the Lakers may eventually turn their attention to 25-year-old Beal, as they seek a second All-Star for their roster.

Offering BOTH Ingram and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be enough to get a deal done, and the trade would provide Ingram with a platform to develop into the star of a team, on a franchise that could soon be a contender once more.

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

The Los Angeles Lakers are likely to go all in on Anthony Davis this summer, and this makes the New Orleans Pelicans the most likely destination for Brandon Ingram. To convince the Pelicans to part with their 25-year-old superstar, the Lakers will need to offer at least three of their young core of Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart.

The Pelicans will have a huge say on the young players that they want, and there is no doubt they will ask for Ingram, as he is the Lakers star with the most potential.

The small forwards skillset has been compared to Kevin Durant, and last season, Ingram averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Joining the Pelicans would provide the 21-year-old with the opportunity to potentially lead his own franchise, so the trade could work out for both parties.