Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

Yeah, I think Ingram's bad showing with team USA last time around really messed with his value. He basically said publicly that he doesn't understand how to play off-ball, which isn't great for a guy who's a 2nd best on a team type at best. 

If you want to confirm his falling stock, look no further than our own Mavs. In hindsight, after they signed Thompson and we found out their backup plan was Malik Beasley, it's so obvious that their main goal was not only to add shooting into the lineup, but to do it at the 3, specifically. I'm not sure if they view Ingram as a fit, but it sure does seem like he would've been getable for them, much more so than we might have thought a year ago. Seems like they're not interested, same as most teams. 

My guess is that he ends up in Atlanta or Portland. Maaaaaybe Cleveland, but I doubt it.

I frankly don't see it. 

The obvious suitor to me is CLE from that list. They theoretically would benefit from a guy with Ingram's talents as the SF position is the weakest for them. They also have Mobley to replace Jarrett Allen as the 5 which might be better for CLE anyways (and I don't like the fit for Allen in NOP but that's a different thing).

Garland
Mitchell
Ingram
Niang 
Mobley

Is a versatile and balanced starting lineup. Not on the same tier as Boston or the Knicks, but I'd put them right there with PHI.

Issue is, if you're CLE and you see this 2nd apron looming, do you really want to hand Ingram a 50 mil per year contract when you have Garland at 36mil and Mitchell at 47? You don't make this trade unless you have already assured Ingram you're giving him his extension or you're risking him walking for nothing. They'd be a 2nd apron team by next year and without much ability to get under it unless they're making drastic roster changes. And that's before you add in Mobley's upcoming rookie extension he's going to sign. It feels like a desperate move that isn't even a surefire guarantee of getting better. Ingram could become the most untradeable contract.

Allen+LeVert is enough for Ingram. CLE would have enough to sign some vet mins as well to round out the roster afterwards (if they let Okoro walk for nothing). 

Would you take that risk if you're CLE?