Blockbuster Trade: Ingram to Raptors, Warriors Take the Biggest Loss

The NBA trade season is in full swing, and the latest blockbuster deal has sent shockwaves through the league. The New Orleans Pelicans have officially parted ways with Brandon Ingram, sending him to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick. While this move shakes up the Eastern Conference playoff race, the real loser of this deal might not be the Pelicans, nor the Raptors—but the Golden State Warriors.

Pelicans’ Perspective: Moving on from Ingram

Brandon Ingram’s tenure in New Orleans was a rollercoaster ride. When the Pelicans acquired him in the Anthony Davis trade back in 2019, they envisioned him as a franchise cornerstone. He quickly blossomed into an All-Star, showcasing his smooth scoring ability, playmaking skills, and versatility as a wing. However, with the emergence of Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans needed to reshuffle their roster to optimize their championship aspirations.

Ingram, while talented, often struggled to fit seamlessly within the Pelicans' system, especially with Zion dominating the offense. Additionally, his defensive inconsistencies and occasional health concerns made him a trade candidate. New Orleans, recognizing the need for depth and future assets, pulled the trigger on this deal.

In return, they receive Bruce Brown, a hard-nosed, defensive-minded guard who brings toughness and playoff experience. Kelly Olynyk, a skilled big man with floor-spacing ability, provides a different dynamic in the frontcourt. Most importantly, the Pelicans secure a first-round pick and a second-rounder, giving them future flexibility to make further moves.

Raptors’ Perspective: Betting on Ingram

The Raptors have been aggressively retooling their roster after the departure of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. With Scottie Barnes emerging as the face of the franchise, the Raptors needed a co-star who could elevate their offensive firepower. Ingram fits that mold perfectly.

At just 27 years old, he is in his prime and brings an immediate scoring punch to a Raptors team that has struggled with offensive consistency. This season, he has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting efficiently from the field. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate makes him an ideal fit alongside Barnes.

Toronto did give up valuable assets, including Brown’s defensive versatility and Olynyk’s veteran presence, but securing a talent like Ingram without sacrificing multiple first-round picks is a major win. If he meshes well with the Raptors' young core, this trade could be a game-changer for Toronto’s future.

Warriors’ Perspective: The Real Losers

While the Pelicans and Raptors are adjusting their rosters for the future, the Warriors find themselves in an entirely different predicament. Just days before the Ingram trade, Golden State made a massive gamble by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. The cost? Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson (Li Kai'er), and a protected first-round pick. On top of that, they handed Butler a staggering two-year, $121 million extension.

Now, in hindsight, the Warriors' decision is looking increasingly questionable. If they had instead pursued Ingram, they might have landed a younger, more durable, and more offensively dynamic player for a much lower price. Ingram is only 27, eight years younger than Butler, and his scoring numbers this season are superior to Butler’s 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

Additionally, Butler’s reputation has taken a hit in recent seasons, with multiple suspensions and locker-room issues plaguing his Miami tenure. While he remains a clutch playoff performer, the Warriors have essentially mortgaged their future for an aging star whose prime years might already be behind him.

The Gamble on Butler’s Leadership

To be fair, Butler brings one thing that Ingram does not—elite leadership and a playoff warrior mentality. Over the past six seasons with the Miami Heat, Butler led the team to two NBA Finals appearances and multiple deep playoff runs. His ability to elevate his game under pressure is undeniable.

That’s precisely why the Warriors made this move. Pairing Butler with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green creates the most experienced “Big Three” in the league—though also the oldest, with a combined age of 105 years. Golden State is hoping Butler’s grit and postseason prowess can reignite their championship hopes, even if it means sacrificing long-term flexibility.

But the question remains: Was it worth the price?

Lakers Make Their Move

Meanwhile, across the hallway at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers also pulled the trigger on a significant trade. They sent rookie guard Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a first-round pick, and a pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for third-year center Mark Williams.

Williams, at 23 years old, is an athletic 7-footer with defensive upside. Over his last 10 games, he has averaged 20.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Given his youth and skill set, he instantly becomes the Lakers' starting center and a potential long-term solution in the frontcourt. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić feeding him easy baskets, Williams has a bright future ahead.

However, durability concerns remain. In his three seasons in the NBA, he has only played in 85 total games due to various injuries. If he can stay healthy, he could become a major asset, but the Lakers are taking a calculated risk.

Final Thoughts

The NBA trade deadline has once again reshaped the landscape of the league. The Pelicans have moved on from Ingram to build a more well-rounded roster. The Raptors have taken a gamble on a new offensive star. The Lakers have added a young center with potential.

But the Warriors? They might have made the riskiest move of all.

By choosing Butler over Ingram, Golden State has locked itself into an aging core with no clear succession plan. If Butler delivers another deep playoff run, the gamble could pay off. If not, this trade could go down as one of the biggest mistakes in Warriors history.

Only time will tell, but for now, it seems like the Warriors have paid the highest price—without getting the best return.