There are still a few teams vying to win over Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets.
Of course, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are the two squads getting the most attention and seemingly have the greatest chances.
But there are other dark-horse candidates who could land Durant, including the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans are unwilling to include Brandon Ingram in a trade for Kevin Durant, league per https://t.co/VkatKRyY6a
(h/t @HoopsRumors ) pic.twitter.com/aY4X8YIpdH
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) August 16, 2022
But if the Pelicans do get Durant, they won’t be giving up one of their biggest stars.
Insiders say the Pels are unwilling to include Brandon Ingram in any trade package for Durant.
This makes a lot of sense because Ingram has become a vital part of the team’s success.
But not including him in any trade means that the Pelicans’ chances of acquiring Durant have just dropped by a lot.
No Ingram, No Durant
If you were the Pelicans, you wouldn’t want to trade Ingram either.
During the 2021-22 season, he put up 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
He was a major reason why the team was able to rebound, recover, and surge to the playoffs.
True, they got pushed out in the first round but they ended up doing far better than anyone expected – and they did it all without Zion Williamson.
Now that Williamson is back and the team has great chemistry and culture – in large part due to Ingram – the front office doesn’t want to screw up a good thing.
That’s why they are holding onto Ingram.
But without Ingram on the market, the Pelicans don’t have assets Brooklyn will be happy with.
Therefore, you can probably kiss any possibility of Durant on the Pelicans goodbye for now.
But most Pelicans fans are more than okay with that because they like the chances they have with their current crew.
NEXT: Zion Williamson Has His Return On The Schedule