"It ain't happening" - NBA fans react to Kendrick Perkins' take on Brandon Ingram-Warriors trade amid Lauri Markkanen developments 

Amid the Golden State Warriors' pursuit of another star, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins said they should pursue New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram. Perkins' take sparked mixed reactions from NBA fans, with some expressing skepticism about Ingram being the right fit for Golden State.

The Warriors have reportedly been engaged in extensive trade talks with the Utah Jazz centered around star forward Lauri Markkanen. Per a Monday report from The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Jazz are "focused" on landing shooting guard Brandin Podziemski in return. Podziemski is coming off an impressive rookie season, making the All-Rookie first team.

"I don't think [the Jazz] want to move Lauri Markkanen," Charania said. "[Unless] the Golden State Warriors put in a Brandin Podziemski, and from what I'm told, three first-round picks, three or four unprotected pick swaps and three or four second-round picks."

However, on Wednesday, The Athletic's Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors "don't want to trade [Podziemski]," as "he's beloved organizationally." Thus, the teams appear to be at an impasse in trade discussions.

On Wednesday's edition of ESPN's "NBA Today," Perkins touched on Golden State's chances of completing a blockbuster trade before next season. He named Brandon Ingram, another player widely mentioned in trade rumors, as a potential target for the franchise.

According to Perkins, the one-time All-Star could be the missing piece that helps the Warriors return to contention in the competitive Western Conference. Golden State missed the playoffs this past season, finishing 10th despite having a winning 46-36 record.

"I would like to see Brandon Ingram — because we know that the Pelicans are listening to offers — go to the Golden State Warriors," Perkins said.

"... He's a bucket-getter, most important position in the game, and I think putting him alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green would actually put the Warriors back in the thick of things, especially in the Western Conference."

Some fans on X/Twitter, agreed with Perkins' take, noting that Ingram could be a solid backup trade target.

"Been saying this, he’s almost like a mini [Kevin Durant] in terms of their games. It could open up something like [Andrew] Wiggins did in [2022]," @taebarbermusic said.

"I’m with you on this, @KendrickPerkins, but Lauri should be the first choice," @DellTwopointo said.

"I agree talent-wise, but he’s asking for too much money," @jordan_demi1 said.

However, others expressed doubts about Ingram being a difference-maker for the Warriors.

"LOL, we ain’t doing that, Kendrick! Shoutout to Curry and Draymond, though," @creeeeecreeeee said.

"Nah, Brandon Ingram doesn’t make them championship contenders," @cloudyderbs said.

"Steve Kerr benched him for Austin Reaves last year when they were on Team USA. It ain’t happening," @NateGrey24 said.

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Brandon Ingram's trade market reportedly limited amid Kendrick Perkins' Warriors trade suggestion

While Kendrick Perkins is seemingly optimistic about Brandon Ingram's potential fit with Golden State, a trade appears unlikely.

On Monday, Shams Charania reported that "multiple teams across the league believe the trade market is currently limited for Ingram." Meanwhile, New Orleans executive vice president David Griffin said Monday that Ingram and the Pelicans are "going to play it out" and are "committed to each other."

Ingram, who is on an expiring $36 million contract, is eligible to sign a four-year extension worth up to $208 million. However, the oft-injured forward has yet to agree to terms on an extension with New Orleans.

Over 64 games this past season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.3 3-pointers per game, shooting 49.2%.

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