NBA Trade Rumors: The New Orleans Pelicans are attempting to acquire Jimmy Butler with an offer that is focused on Brandon Ingram.
According to sources who spoke to The Stein Line, the New Orleans Pelicans have indicated interest in dealing for Jimmy Butler in exchange for a package that revolves around Brandon Ingram's $36 million contract that is about to expire. Miami is interested in the prospect of acquiring Ingram and is driven to qualify for the playoffs this season.
The Pelicans are determined to avoid the luxury tax and are way out of the playoff picture. At the moment, the Pelicans are over $1.5 million over the luxury tax threshold. The Pelicans would probably need to include several players with lower salaries in any deal because Butler is earning $48.8 million this season compared to Ingram's $36 million.
The Pelicans join the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Memphis Grizzlies as teams with differing interest in Butler, even if the Phoenix Suns are his preferred pick.
For the upcoming season, Butler has a $52 million player option. If he is dealt to the Pelicans, they may attempt to negotiate an extension with him. Negotiations between New Orleans and Ingram never came close to reaching an extension.
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