New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum
Much like with Denver, I’d predict one of these players is not in New Orleans by the end of next season. The Pels have been reluctant to extend BI, likely because of his injury history and weird fit with Zion Williamson.
He’s a guy I figured Trajan Langdon could pursue, though he had his chance to re-sign him when he was GM of the Pelicans and didn’t do it. He could be biding his time, knowing the price to trade for BI will go down as the deadline approaches.
The question is whether the Pistons want any part of his next deal, as Ingram will be seeking big bucks. CJ McCollum could be an interesting target for the Pistons if they wanted to add a veteran to help their young guards.
CJ can still play, improved his efficiency last season and only has two years left on his deal.
However, the Pelicans are very close to getting under the tax, so they can stay just under with minor moves.