1. 76ers land much-coveted third star in discounted deal
While Daryl Morey’s new criterion in terms of the 76ers’ hunt for a third star could hurt their search, he’s still unlikely to pass up an opportunity to accommodate a big name, especially in a discounted deal. And while discounted stars almost never hit the market, New Orleans may actually have something to say about that this offseason.
Brandon Ingram, who made the All-Star team in 2020, is increasingly likely to don a different jersey next season. The Pelicans have made all indications about their desire to move on from the forward as part of their big retooling job, and their current refusal to hand him an extension is a testament to that effect.
The 76ers, which have been rumored to be in on Ingram for quite a while now, could execute a draft day swap for him, potentially with two first-round picks as the ballpark figure. Luckily for them, the Pelicans don’t have much leverage to demand a hefty return, as Ingram is on an expiring deal, unless he, of course, agrees to a sign-and-trade setup that could gouge his price.