The New Orleans Pelicans are unwilling to trade Brandon Ingram in a trade package with the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, sources tell Christian Clark of the Times Picayune.

Ingram is nine years younger than Durant and also makes approximately $15 million per year less.

Ingram is one of the only young All-Star caliber players the Nets could potentially trade for while also keeping Ben Simmons. Ingram did not sign a five-year max extension coming off his rookie contract as he re-signed in free agency. NBA rules mandate that a team cannot acquire two such players.

Zion Williamson endured a difficult 21-22 season in which he had to miss the entire regular season and playoffs due to a broken foot. Williamson received criticism from some corners.

“It’s been a lot," said Williamson. "I can sit here and explain it, but nobody will really be able to feel it the way I did. My foot was broken and I couldn’t magically heal it. It hurt, because I love the game of basketball. But because of it I was experiencing hate and pain from people I don’t know every day, and it started to wear on me.”

Williamson hired Jasper Bibbs as his personal trainer and Christian Green to manage his nutrition. 

Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans signed a five-year, $193 million extension that could climb to $231 million if he makes an All-NBA team this season.

Antonio Daniels announced that he's signed a multi-year broadcast deal to remain the color analyst for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Daniels is entering his fourth season with the team's broadcast crew. 

The New Orleans Pelicans are attempting to hire Sammy Gelfand away from the Detroit Pistons.

Gelfand is currently the Director of Coaching Analytics with the Pistons.

Gelfand previously spent five years with the Golden State Warriors where he worked with Willie Green.

The New Orleans Pelicans would have to waive Zion Williamson in order to reduce the amount of money owed to him on his contract.

There was a report last week that indicated Williamson would be required to be weighed with his pounds plus body fat percentage needing to stay below 295.

The full amount of Williamson's year-by-year salary, which ranges from $33.3 million in 2023-24 to $43.9 million in 2027-28, won't change for salary cap and luxury tax purposes. 

The reduction is a protection for the Pelicans in case Williamson's career is derailed.

For Williamson, he agreed to the contract soon after the opening of free agency and though he received a significant commitment, it comes with downside risk given the unpredictable nature of his body.