The Thunder predicted to acquire the Pelicans All-Star in a surprise blockbuster

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the few legitimate contenders in the NBA, but they may be looking to pick up even more talent before the trade deadline.

OKC could feel it’s on the brink of a title, and making another big move could bolster their chances of winning it all.

Friday, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey Thunder imagined goes after Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans. Bailey’s proposed deal would send Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Ousmane Dieng and a first-rounder to New Orleans for Ingram.

“Like LaVine, Brandon Ingram has been above trade rumors, fake trade articles and other reports for at least a year,” Bailey said.

“And after injuries helped push the New Orleans Pelicans to last place in the West, they should be even more motivated to turn those rumors into an actual deal.”

“At one point it felt almost inevitable that New Orleans would flip Ingram to a center, but rookie Yves Missi has been better than expected. And after this first quarter of the season, the Pelicans probably shouldn’t be looking at win-now trades anymore.”

“Even with CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III all recently trickled back into the rotation, it will be nearly impossible to make up enough cap space to even make the Play-In.”

“Instead, New Orleans should shine more forward-looking deals.”

“This one gives the Pelicans a first-round pick, something a team will be hesitant to give up for a player on an expiring contract who is looking for a raise this coming summer. It also gives them an exciting 21-year-old wing who haven’t been able to crack the Oklahoma City Thunder’s crowded rotation.”

“Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins are not just salary fillers either. Assuming Zion Williamson returns this season, both would fit in well around him and alongside other versatile wings and forwards like Jones and Murphy.”

“For the Thunder, this deal may not be necessary. They’re already playing like a championship contender, and Dort’s perimeter defense is a big part of that.”

“But making Ingram, a former All-Star who averages 22.2 points, 5.2 assists and 2.4 threes, their super sixth man could make them the favorite even in a league with the Boston Celtics.”

“This deal will likely force OKC to move Alex Caruso into Dort’s starting spot. That defense is important to the front five. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams would obviously take the other two guard and/or wing spots. And anytime Chet Holmgren is ready to return, he and Isaiah Hartenstein can play together on the front line.”

“That would leave Ingram to absolutely dominate other units as a rental scorer for a few months (hopefully ending in a championship).”

“If it went swimmingly, OKC could try to re-sign Ingram for less than the max. If he wanted out, the Thunder are in a better position than most to let him go. They’d still be a contender in 2025-26.”

Should the Thunder get on the phone with New Orleans and get an Ingram deal going? Remember, Ingram has an expiring contract.

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