It's a new era for veteran swingman Brandon Ingram, who finally left the Pelicans after six years with the franchise. In February, in an unexpected move, Ingram was traded to the Raptors for a haul that included Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected, via the Pacers), and a 2031 second-round pick.
The 27-year-old out of Duke wanted desperately to leave the Pelicans, and the word on the street is that he's feeling optimistic about his fresh start in Toronto. Under contract until at least 2027 (player option for the 2027-28 season worth $41.9 million), Ingram has no plans for another change of scenery, but it may not stop him from becoming one of the next major trade chips to hit the market.
Despite averages of 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 46.5% shooting last season over 18 games, Ingram could be moved again this summer if the Raptors decide to lean fully into a youth movement. In exchange for a gifted scorer in his prime, the Raptors could bring back valuable picks or elite young talent that could expedite their rebuild around Scottie Barnes.
Here are four teams that should take a serious look, and one trade package for each that they could use to finalize a deal today.
Cavaliers Find Missing Piece
This scenario is a straight one-to-one swap involving two high-impact athletes. The Pelicans would be giving up Brandon Ingram's $120+ million contract in exchange for Darius Garland, a young point guard with a higher ceiling and better-fitting timeline.
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Darius Garland
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Brandon Ingram, 2032 second-round pick
As a team that was at the top of the East last season, the Cavaliers may not want to make any major changes, but it's hard to deny that they need to make a move after their elimination in the Eastern Semifinals this year. As great as Garland has been for them, his shortcomings as a shooter and history of inconsistencies have made him expendable, and he may be the only path to improvement for an already stacked Cavs team.
Of course, the Cavaliers get to add Brandon Ingram in this deal to fill a position they've lacked since LeBron James' departure in 2018. While Ingram is not a franchise player, his size and isolation scoring would make him an excellent pairing with Donovan Mitchell, who is widely known as one of the best perimeter shooters in the league. This swap might be enough for both teams to take a step up in the Eastern Conference.
Kings Move Up In The West
Brandon Ingram may not be able to carry a team to a championship, but he can surely get a team closer to their championship goals. For a team like the Kings, he likely has strong appeal, and they could use a package of DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schroder, and future draft capital to make a lucrative offer.
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schroder, 2028 first-round pick
Sacramento Kings Receive: Brandon Ingram
As a team stuck in NBA purgatory, the Kings need to do something to break the cycle. Since they already have a loaded backcourt, that also includes Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, DeRozan is somewhat expendable, and he's still someone who can net a decent haul in any NBA trade deal. They'd be far from favorites in the West, but the Kings might be able to return to the playoffs again with a pure scorer like Ingram leading the way alongside Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray.
In this deal, the Raptors get to reunite with their former franchise player, DeMar DeRozan. He's no longer in his prime years, but the veteran swingman would certainly make things interesting in Toronto after returning to play there for the first time since 2018. Plus, the Raptors can get back a nice backcourt scorer in Dennis Schroder as well as a first-round pick to add to their growing stockpile of assets.
Spurs Build Big Three For Victor Wembanyama
In San Antonio, the Spurs have been trying for some time to move up another level in the Western Conference. With Victor, they don't need a superstar addition, and that makes Ingram the perfect choice as an elite perimeter scorer, if they are willing to pay the price.
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, 2029 first-round pick swap
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Brandon Ingram
With Ingram on the Spurs, they could become a true juggernaut in the West and challenge the NBA's most elite teams. At the very least, they'd be a major threat in the West with enough scoring and depth on the wing to cover any offensive cracks. As Fox runs the offense and Wembanyama leads, Ingram could be the link that brings everyone together.
With Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes, the Raptors get a nice set of players to add depth and increase their versatility on both ends of the floor. The presence of Scottie Barnes alone will ensure they are at least somewhat competitive. If that's not enough, the Raptors could still find value in that lucrative 2029 first-round pick, which they could use to draft someone new or as part of a trade to make a win-now deal.
Hornets Build Winning Culture
For decades, the Charlotte Hornets have been the laughing stock of the league, but they may not be too far from being a respectable team. They already have LaMelo Ball, but with Brandin Ingram, they may be able to challenge some of the top Eastern teams next season.
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, 2030 first-round pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Brandon Ingram
Miles Bridges comes with some major baggage, but with averages of 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season, he's still one who can contribute in the right situation. A fresh start on a team like the Raptors may be just what Bridges needs to get his act straight, and he could become an important player for them with his shooting and rebounding at 6'7". The addition of Josh Green and that 2030 pick stand to sweeten this deal and set the Raptors up for a rapid ascension.
Meanwhile, Ingram would get to play alongside LaMelo Ball. The star point guard has been leading the Hornets for years with minimal results, but he's never had a reliable co-star before. The addition of Ingram should give the Hornets another crucial shot creator who can help steady the offense for Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley.
Will Ingram Be Traded?
Brandon Ingram may not be a generational superstar, but he’s a rare blend of scoring, size, and playmaking who could push the right team over the top. Whether the Raptors decide to build around him or flip him again for long-term assets, his value across the league remains strong, and his job isn't exactly secure. As contenders look for that one final piece, Ingram might just be the most underrated swing available this offseason—and whichever team pulls the trigger could end up changing the playoff picture in a major way.
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