Should Philly move the needle for Ingram?
While Ingram is arguably one of the best choices for the 76ers in their quest for a third star when it comes to forming a sustainable core, the Philadelphian urgency to win a championship is embossed in deep red right now. Realistically speaking, Daryl Morey and the team’s brass would strongly prefer a stronger offering, age notwithstanding.
As a result, there’s a significantly higher chance that Philly opts for, say, Paul George over Ingram in an equal footing scenario. A one-time All-Star like Ingram doesn’t quite catapult the 76ers into an undeniable position at the pedestal unlike perennial All-Stars who are more battle-tested, proven, and outright better.
Should Ingram’s camp show amenability to taking a long-term deal on non-max terms, though, trading and signing for him could be a pretty significant bargain that ages well. He’s only just approaching his prime, and his skill set is an easier one to shoehorn into a slightly smaller role.
As long as New Orleans doesn’t show any resistance to taking in Buddy Hield, who is virtually a perfect role player to complement their nucleus, and the proposed draft compensation, the 76ers should seriously consider bagging Ingram as their main prize in free agency. It’s not perfect, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better solution for both the present and the immediate future.
Grade: A-