Prior to signing Paul George in free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers were on an exhaustive escapade to land a third star to fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Over the past year or so, the front office was busy strategizing to lure in short-term contracts that would not affect their financial flexibility for that very cause.
One of the All-Stars linked to the 76ers early in the summer was Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, who somehow remained in New Orleans despite the franchise’s explicit commitment to striking a deal for him this offseason.
And no offense to him, but Philly should thank the heavens that the basketball gods did not allow him to cross over to the city.
The 76ers did incredibly well not trading for Brandon Ingram
Early reports had the 76ers having an inside track to getting a deal done for Ingram. While a one-time All-Star, the Pelicans didn’t really gouge his price tag considering that he was a flight risk anyway. New Orleans did not extend him this summer, so a team getting him could just be trading for a one-year rental.
The rumors didn’t solidify enough thanks to Daryl Morey and company managing to convince — or really, handcuff — George into signing with the 76ers on a four-year, max contract.
Philly snagged George without giving up anything of value, simply absorbing him into the team’s payroll. Had they not exercised patience, they could have very well settle for Ingram, a less decorated star who had no roster control on his contract and not nearly as big of a floor and ceiling-raiser than the nine-time All-Star.
Ingram, while talented, is a trickier fit next to the 76ers’ one-two punch of Embiid and Maxey. He’s nowhere near as effective of an off-ball and catch-and-shoot threat as George is. In addition, despite being eight years younger than the latter, he’s an even bigger injury question mark.
It remains to be seen whether Ingram will have any staying power in New Orleans, but thankfully, the 76ers won’t be in the position to decide just that.
After all, they nearly did.
