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Grading a proposed trade from Bleacher Report that sends Pelicans star to Clippers

Iliyan Lakhani
Iliyan Lakhani

Clipperholics

Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As the LA Clippers have moved away from Crypto.com arena, superstars will request Intuit Dome to be their next destination. This is reasonable, as the new arena contains a player-enhanced experience and the opportunity to merge talents with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. 

Furthermore, with the annual trade deadline comes rumors of stars joining the Clippers to win a championship. These happen every year, and fans remain hopeful for another top-tier talent arriving under head coach Tyronn Lue. 

However, the February 2025 deadline could conclude as a historical one for executive Lawrence Frank. They have several pieces that need to be moved, and the current roster seems to be an all-star short of contending as a top-three team in the NBA. These two factors make it evident another star may join Harden, Leonard, and the seventh-seeded Clippers.

That said, Bleacher Report recently shared trade proposals for every team in the NBA, and the Clippers received a former Most Improved winner. In return, Frank included multiple players that should be traded, making it a win-win for Lue and his squad.

Brandon Ingram is shipped to the LA Clippers in a deal proposed by Bleacher Report.

Greg Swartz, a credentialed media member who has written for Bleacher Report since 2010, recently posted a trade offer with the LA Clippers receiving star Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans.

To land Ingram, Swartz had the Clippers give up three role players in Terance Mann, P.J. Tucker, and Derrick Jones Jr., plus a 2031 second-round pick.

Although there are numerous reasons why this is a good trade for the Clippers, the biggest is a fix in their below-average offense. The addition of Ingram puts more points on the board and allows James Harden to attempt less-contested shots, which directs space for stronger efficiencies.

Conversely, the front office must let go of two high-end talents in Mann and Jones Jr. Though it is a hard move, the Clippers land a star that can carve their footsteps to the NBA Finals.

Additionally, this proposal provides the Clippers with a way out of Tucker’s contract. This has nagged the Clippers all season, as the 2021 NBA champion has elected not to play until he is shipped.

Nonetheless, the Clippers’ loss in roster depth will be accounted for by Ingram's mid-range excellence. He will also help Kawhi Leonard as an engineer in Tyronn Lue’s multi-facet offense, making the package even better.

Trade Grade: A

Iliyan Lakhani

Iliyan Lakhani

Iliyan Lakhani is the Site Expert for FanSided’s Clipperholics, covering the LA Clippers, and a senior contributor for Daily Knicks, covering the New York Knicks. He started writing for Clipperholics in April of 2022 and began his Daily Knicks journey in March of 2026. Simultaneously, Iliyan has written for FanSided’s Reign of Troy, covering the USC Trojans, and HoopsHabit, covering the NBA. With a degree in Sports Communications from UAB, he has also gained experience through internships with Sports Radio America and Fantom Sports Industries. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball with friends and family.