The LA Lakers were involved in NBA trade rumors at the deadline and the pivotal point was rookie Brandon Ingram.
It was mentioned that the Lakers had a chance to trade for DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings but they just could not give up the player that they demanded, which was Brandon Ingram.
After the trade, as trade grade discussions arose, the Lakers' decision not to give up Ingram for a chance at the best center in the game today was highly criticized.
There are some quarters who maintain that Cousins is grossly overvalued. Also, because of his various issues, trading for him is not worth it, talent notwithstanding. Still, the Lakers chose to keep an underperforming rookie over an All-NBA center.
This has prompted the question: Just how much is Ingram worth? There will be more pressure on him now because of the Lakers' choice. While that's not exactly fair for him because it's not his choice, it is what it is.
On that note, ESPN Insider discussed the question on whether the Lakers should trade their prized rookie. Kevin Pelton believes that they should.
"Ingram is still likely to be a useful player and maybe more than that," Pelton said.
"Still, my suspicion is that teams around the league will be slower to update their perception of Ingram to someone who is likely to be around an average player at peak. That's why, as unthinkable as it might sound, I would consider trading Ingram this summer."
He noted that teams who traded other lottery players who faltered were proven to have made the correct choice. One recent example is Anthony Bennett, 1st overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013. On the other hand, the Philadelphia76ers may have waited too long on Jahlil Okafor and could hardly get any value for him.
In Boston.com, Chad Finn took on the discussion on trading for Brandon Ingram, with the Celtics own no.3 pick, Jaylen Brown as the trade piece. Finn argued that Ainge, in true Boston fashion would not even trade Brown straight up for Ingram.
"I have little doubt the Celtics would have taken Ingram over Brown back on June 23, though Ainge had eyes for Brown as soon as he found out they'd be picking third. Now, seeing how rapidly Brown is developing... well, I think Ainge would take a call from Magic Johnson offering Ingram straight-up. But I don't think he makes the deal without trying to bait Magic into giving up a little something more," Finn concluded.
