4-Team Blockbuster Trade Idea Involving Brandon Ingram And Deandre Ayton That Actually Makes Sense
Exploring a hypothetical four-team trade scenario involving Ben Simmons, Deandre Ayton, and Brandon Ingram that could address each team’s needs.
The NBA rumor mill has been buzzing lately, with Brandon Ingram’s name popping up as the New Orleans Pelicans struggle early in the season. Ingram, in the final year of his contract, has been the subject of trade speculation as the Pelicans consider their options.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons is in the last year of his hefty $40 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets. His performance has been underwhelming, leading to questions about his future with the team.
Over in Portland, the Trail Blazers have a crowded frontcourt after drafting Donovan Clingan, raising questions about Deandre Ayton’s role. Ayton, who was acquired in a trade last year, now faces uncertainty as the Blazers evaluate their roster.
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With these situations in mind, let’s dive into a hypothetical four-team trade that could potentially benefit all parties involved.
Trade Idea
Trail Blazers receive: Ben Simmons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Ousmane Dieng, 2025 First-Round Pick (Thunder), 2028 First-Round Pick (Nets via Knicks)
Pelicans receive: Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, 2025 First-Round Pick (Nets via Bucks)
Nets receive: Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Jaylin Williams, Dillon Jones
Thunder receive: Cameron Johnson
The Blazers Get Big-Time Assets For Two Vets
This four-team trade idea gives the Trail Blazers a chance to reset their roster in a way that actually makes sense for a team clearly in rebuild mode. By moving on from Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant, they land Ben Simmons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Ousmane Dieng, a 2025 first-round pick from the Thunder, and a 2028 first-round pick via the Knicks from the Mikal Bridges deal. It’s not flashy, but it’s a deal that could set the team up for the future.
Let’s start with Simmons. His $40 million expiring deal is the centerpiece here, as it clears a massive chunk of cap space heading into next summer. The Blazers aren’t exactly contending, and having that flexibility to chase young free agents or facilitate trades could be huge. On the court, Simmons hasn’t exactly been lighting it up this season, averaging 5.9 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game, but his role as a stopgap who can play some defense and make plays works fine for a team not worried about wins right now.
Then there’s Bojan Bogdanovic, still recovering from an injury in April last season. He’s the kind of vet you bring in to flip later—whether before the deadline or during the offseason—to a contender desperate for scoring. It’s a smart play for the Blazers, who could snag another pick or a young player by moving him. Throw in Ousmane Dieng, a young forward with potential, and the two future first-round picks, and the Trail Blazers keep adding more pieces to their rebuilding puzzle.
The Blazers are sitting at 5-8 right now, clearly not in a win-now mode. Ayton has been decent statistically, averaging 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds, but with Donovan Clingan looking like the future in the Blazers’ frontcourt, moving Ayton while his value is still solid makes sense. Grant, on the other hand, has been steady with 17.5 points and 3.6 rebounds, but his fit on a rebuilding team isn’t exactly ideal. Flipping him in this deal lets Portland get assets instead of holding onto a player who doesn’t align with their long-term plans.
For the Blazers, it’s not about immediate wins—it’s about clearing the books, stacking future picks, and giving younger players room to grow. This trade does all of that while keeping the door open for moves down the line. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a smart way for a rebuilding team to think ahead.
The Pelicans Need Depth In The Frontcourt
The Pelicans just can’t catch a break this season. Zion Williamson is out again with a hamstring issue, and CJ McCollum is sidelined for a couple of weeks with an adductor strain. Herb Jones? He’s dealing with a shoulder injury that’ll keep him out for at least a few more games. Trey Murphy III is still recovering from his hamstring strain, and even Dejounte Murray is out after breaking his hand in his debut game. It’s like half the roster is in street clothes.
With so many key guys hurt, the Pelicans have been scrambling to piece together a functional lineup. They’ve had to play Herb Jones at the five before his injury, which, let’s be honest, isn’t his ideal spot. Zion’s absence has left a gaping hole at power forward, and the Pelicans desperately need someone who can fill that role and provide some stability. Enter Jerami Grant—a guy who fits their system perfectly. He can play both forward spots, guard multiple positions, and bring a scoring punch to a team that’s missing most of its offensive firepower.
The center position is another major issue. They got Daniel Theis in the offseason and drafted Yves Missi in the draft, but still lack some firepower. That’s where Deandre Ayton could make a huge impact. Ayton’s athleticism, defense, and ability to protect the rim would be a big upgrade in New Orleans. Plus, he’s young enough to fit into their long-term plans alongside Zion when the whole squad is healthy.
Right now, the Pelicans are sitting at 4-10, and it’s clear they need reinforcements if they’re going to stay competitive in the West. Adding Grant and Ayton doesn’t just help them survive the injury crisis—it gives them pieces that can make them better when everyone is back. Grant can play off Zion as a versatile forward who defends and stretches the floor. Ayton can anchor the defense while providing consistent scoring in the paint.
The thing is, the Pelicans can’t afford to wait around. Zion’s injuries have been a recurring issue, and while the team is built around him, they need reliable options to step up when he’s not available. Grant and Ayton give them exactly that—guys who can help right now and still be valuable when the team is at full strength.
At this point, the Pelicans don’t just need talent—they need bodies. This trade could give them the depth and balance they’re sorely lacking while they navigate what’s shaping up to be a frustrating, injury-filled season.
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The Nets Would Be Ready To Compete
The Brooklyn Nets have been full of surprises this season. After shipping Mikal Bridges out in a big trade to the Knicks, most people thought they were heading straight for the lottery. But somehow, they’ve managed to stay competitive. Cam Thomas has been going off as a scorer, and Dennis Schroder is quietly doing a great job leading the team. Sitting at 5-8, the Nets aren’t world-beaters, but they’ve been way better than expected for a team that’s supposedly in transition.
This mock trade could take them to a whole new level. With Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Jaylin Williams, and Dillon Jones coming in, the Nets would address pretty much all their weaknesses while adding star power and depth. It’s a bold move, but one that could actually make sense for where this team is right now.
Let’s start with Ingram. He’s the kind of star the Nets desperately need—a guy who can take over games on offense and give them a reliable go-to scorer. This season, he’s averaging 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, showing he’s still one of the most versatile forwards in the league. Plug him into the Nets lineup, and suddenly they’ve got a real franchise cornerstone.
CJ McCollum would be a huge addition too, but there’s a catch—he’s currently sidelined and out indefinitely. Before the injury, he was averaging 18.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Once healthy, his shooting, leadership, and clutch ability would be massive for a team trying to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Jaylin Williams might not grab headlines, but his hustle and defense would make an immediate impact doing all the dirty work you need from a young big man. Pair him with the Nets’ current rotation, and they’d have a much more balanced frontcourt.
Dillon Jones is more of a long-term piece. The rookie hasn’t done much yet in the league, but he’s shown flashes of versatility and effort. The Nets could take their time developing him while leaning on the other three new additions to handle the heavy lifting.
The Nets are already outperforming expectations thanks to guys like Thomas, who’s emerged as a scoring machine, and Schroder, who’s running the offense efficiently. Adding Ingram and McCollum would give them the firepower to compete with just about anyone. And with Claxton cleaning up in the paint, they finally have some interior defense to rely on.
This trade wouldn’t just make the Nets competitive—it could push them into playoff contention. Right now, they’re playing scrappy basketball and staying afloat in the East. Imagine what they could do with a legit star like Ingram and a veteran like McCollum.
It’s hard to say what the Nets’ ceiling would be after a trade like this, but one thing’s for sure: they wouldn’t be flying under the radar anymore. The Nets would have the kind of roster that makes people pay attention, and for a team in a post-Mikal Bridges world, that’s a big win.
Cam Johnson Makes Perfect Sense For The Thunder
The Thunder are rolling this season. With an 11-3 record they’ve been one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like an MVP candidate, and Jalen Williams has taken another leap. It’s a young core that’s clicking on all cylinders, but adding a player like Cam Johnson could make them even more dangerous.
This season with the Nets, Johnson is averaging 16.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting an efficient 46.2% from the field. Oh, and he’s draining 2.8 threes per game on 40% shooting. Not only is he one of the better catch-and-shoot guys in the league, but he’s also incredibly steady.
The Thunder already have a ton of young talent, but what they lack is a true stretch four with experience who can take the pressure off Shai. Cam checks all the boxes. He spaces the floor, doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, and knows how to pick his spots in a team-first system. Plus, his defense is solid, so he wouldn’t be a liability on that end, especially with OKC’s defensive schemes.
Let’s not forget that Johnson’s name came up in plenty of trade rumors during the offseason. Teams wanted him because of his versatility and his ability to plug into just about any lineup. For the Thunder, he’s more than just a role player—he’s the type of piece that can elevate a team from “young and exciting” to “serious playoff contender.”
Imagine Johnson catching kick-out passes from Shai and knocking down threes with ease. Or better yet, imagine him in clutch situations, spacing the floor while Jalen Williams slashes to the rim. That’s the kind of versatility the Thunder would love to have as they look to make another dominant run in the West.
Adding Johnson also makes sense timeline-wise. He’s got playoff experience, but at 28 years old, he’s still young enough to fit with OKC’s core. He’d bring a veteran presence to the locker room without feeling out of place in a group of rising stars.
Right now, the Thunder are building something special, but moves like this are what can take them over the top. Adding Cam Johnson wouldn’t just be about this season—it’s about positioning the Thunder as a serious force for years to come.
