Grade The Trade: Brandon Ingram To The Orlando Magic

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The Orlando Magic had a very successful postseason, taking the Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round. Even if they lost Game 7, they took a very talented team to the brink after finishing with a 47-35 record and the fifth seed in the East. Looking ahead, they need to find a co-star for All-Star Paolo Banchero, who had a breakout season.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans were swept in the first round of the playoffs and are looking to build around Zion Williamson with the right players. The Pelicans have long been rumored to be interested in splitting the duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, meaning Ingram could be on the way out. A way to rebuild around Zion could see the Pelicans trade Ingram to Orlando in a blockbuster trade.

Trade Details

Orlando Magic Receive: Brandon Ingram

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, Mo Wagner, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick

This trade will shake up the West and East, and we have a grade on this trade for each team involved. This deal could be a legitimate possibility this summer and we break it down for the Magic and Pelicans.

Orlando Magic Form An All-Star Duo

The trade sending Brandon Ingram to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, Mo Wagner, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick is a significant move that has the potential to reshape both teams. For the Magic, acquiring Ingram forms a promising All-Star duo alongside Paolo Banchero, who showcased his All-Star caliber play during their recent playoff appearances (27.0 PPG). Ingram’s scoring ability, averaging around 20 points per game, complements Banchero’s offensive prowess, potentially elevating the Magic’s offensive output.

Additionally, both players can contribute to an improved defensive effort, especially under the guidance of Coach Jamahl Mosley, whose defensive schemes helped the Magic rank fourth in the league in OPPG (108.4). With the addition of another All-Star in Ingram, the Magic have a solid foundation to build upon as they aim to advance further in the playoffs and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.

New Orleans Pelicans Rebuild Around Zion Williamson

Breaking up the Ingram-Zion duo allows the Pelicans to focus on surrounding Williamson with complementary pieces, particularly on the defensive end. Acquiring elite defensive wing Jonathan Isaac and defensive-minded guard Jalen Suggs addresses key areas of need for the Pelicans, enhancing their defensive capabilities significantly. Suggs’ versatility in competing for a starting spot alongside other starting-caliber players CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III adds depth and competition to the roster.

Meanwhile, Isaac’s defensive presence bolsters the Pelicans’ already solid defensive unit (8th in the NBA in OPPG), potentially elevating them even further in the league rankings. Additionally, the inclusion of two future first-round picks provides valuable assets for future roster development and flexibility. Overall, this trade sets the stage for the Pelicans to rebuild around Zion Williamson with a renewed focus on defensive excellence and long-term sustainability.

What Grade Should This Trade Be?

Orlando Magic: A+

The trade between the Orlando Magic and the New Orleans Pelicans should be graded as an A+ for the Orlando Magic. This grade reflects the significant benefits the Magic gains from the trade while considering the factors involved. By acquiring Brandon Ingram, the Magic secure a high-impact player who has the potential to form a dynamic duo with Paolo Banchero, elevating the team’s offensive output significantly. Ingram’s scoring prowess and versatility on both ends of the floor add a new dimension to the Magic’s roster and align with their goal of building a competitive team.

Additionally, the trade mitigates the risk associated with Jonathan Isaac’s injury history, as his availability has been inconsistent due to recurring health issues. While losing Jalen Suggs is a notable loss given his defensive potential, the overall impact of adding Ingram outweighs this loss, especially considering the defensive depth still present on the Magic roster. Mo Wagner’s role as a backup center further bolsters the team’s depth without sacrificing significant assets. Overall, the trade represents a strategic move for the Magic, addressing key needs while minimizing risks, thus deserving an A+ grade.

New Orleans Pelicans: B

While the trade provides the Pelicans with assets that address some needs, such as acquiring two defenders in Jonathan Isaac and Jalen Suggs, along with a capable backup big man in Mo Wagner, it might not fully maximize the value they could receive for Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans may have been able to secure a stronger deal for Ingram on the trade market, given his status as a high-impact player.

However, the trade package from the Magic still offers an intriguing selection of assets that provide depth and potential long-term value. The Pelicans will be banking on Jonathan Isaac’s long-term health, considering his injury history, which adds an element of risk to the trade. Overall, while the trade addresses some needs for the Pelicans, it may not fully capitalize on the potential value of trading Ingram, thus warranting a B grade.