The New Orleans Pelicans are doubling down on injury-plagued, sixth-year pro Zion Williamson, hoping he can be a more reliable and productive centerpiece in the years to come.

Zion Williamson spoke about Brandon Ingram being traded by the Pelicans and his feelings surrounding the move.

That was tough to see him go. He’s somebody that’s been here with me since day one, all the ups and downs of the Pels. You wish it

Ingram will now be a part of another talented forward duo, joining Scottie Barnes in Toronto. Developing the kind of relationship with Scottie that it sounds like he had with Zion should go a long way to helping Ingram acclimate and make the most of his time with the Raptors.

DENVER – Brandon Ingram will go down as one of the better players to wear a Pelicans uniform and be a key figurehead in the team’s transition into the post-Anthony Davis era. However, it was no surprise to see him traded on Wednesday night.

Executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin said during a lengthy press conference that he’ll continue to build his team around the high-scoring big man.

The New Orleans Pelicans made it through the NBA trade deadline without dealing Zion Williamson, although co-star Brandon Ingram was a victim of the league's craziest deadline ever. With Ingram getting traded to the Toronto Raptors, Williamson becomes the undoubted superstar in New Orleans, but that comes with some heavier expectations.

NBA trade deadline just won't slow down. Mere hours after the Golden State Warriors landed Jimmy Butler, another former All-Star forward is also on the move. Brandon Ingram, the 27-year-old small forward who has spent the past six years with the New Orleans Pelicans,