The Atlanta Hawks have surfaced as a potential suitor for Brandon Ingram ahead of next week’s trade deadline. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that Atlanta could become more aggressive in trade talks following Jalen Johnson’s season-ending injury.
“Brandon Ingram is a guy who’s been on the trade block for months,” Windhorst said on Get Up. “But with these last few days… I’m seeing a little bit of a warmup out there in these talks involving [Ingram and Zach LaVine]. Specifically keep an eye on the Atlanta Hawks. They just lost their star wing Jalen Johnson for the season. They may start to get interested in making a move, especially for Brandon Ingram.”
The 27-year-old forward has missed time due to an ankle injury but has been productive when available. In 18 games this season, he is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 33.1 minutes per contest.
Ingram is on the final season of a five-year, $158 million contract with no extension in place. The Pelicans have kept their options open regarding his future, and trade speculation has continued to grow.
New Orleans has struggled throughout the season, currently sitting 14th in the Western Conference with a 12-36 record. The Hawks, fighting for a playoff spot in the East, are ninth at 22-26 and could look to strengthen their roster before the deadline.
With Ingram’s contract set to expire, any team acquiring him would need to weigh the risk of potentially losing him in free agency. Atlanta’s front office has been active in the trade market in recent years, and their current situation could push them to explore adding a proven scorer.
As the deadline approaches, the Hawks will be a team to watch in the ongoing Ingram trade discussions.
