Aside from the pipe dream that Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler would ask to be dealt directly to Philly, sources familiar with the Sixers’ thinking say that Brandon Ingram is the primary fallback plan. Ingram would have to be acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans since he’s under contract for $36 million with a 15 percent trade kicker through the 2024-25 season. But the Sixers could absorb him without sacrificing any salary, a major benefit to the Pelicans, who could then operate with cap space and receive draft picks from the Sixers.
For the same reasons the Pelicans are even considering moving Ingram, he would be an imperfect fit for the Sixers. He brings his own set of durability concerns, defensive shortcomings, and offensive inconsistencies. If there’s any “next Tobias Harris” for Philly, it’s Ingram. But he does provide go-to scoring ability, and maybe Embiid and Maxey, two uniquely talented teammates, could unlock him.
by UnbiasedNBAFan_
