The 2025 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and several former Duke basketball stars are playing for new teams as a result. The Blue Zone is here to break down the recent activity surrounding a few former Blue Devils:
Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors
After five and a half seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk and multiple draft picks. Unfortunately, injuries have once again defined Ingram’s season. The 27-year-old star has been sidelined since early December with an ankle injury, marking the third time in his career he will miss 30 or more games in a season. Ingram’s absence took a toll on the Pelicans, who have dropped their last nine games and fallen to 12-41 — currently the worst record in the Western Conference. With a strong chance to secure a top pick in the 2025 draft, Ingram’s contract expiring and the team nearing the luxury tax threshold, this move is a logical step for New Orleans to turn the page and shift its focus on the future.
The former ACC Rookie of the Year now joins a chaotic Raptors team in desperate need of some direction. While Toronto may see value in acquiring a young wing in his prime, committing to a "win-now" approach while sitting 21 games under .500 and coming off two consecutive seasons without playoff appearances raises some serious questions. Still, pairing Ingram with a budding superstar in Scottie Barnes and former Blue Devil RJ Barrett could provide the Raptors a formidable group of forwards with tremendous upside. After signing a 3-year 120-million dollar contract extension Tuesday, Ingram could prove to be a valuable asset moving forward.
Tre Jones, Chicago Bulls
In a blockbuster deal that saw De’Aaron Fox traded to the San Antonio Spurs and Zach LaVine sent to the Sacramento Kings, Jones was included as part of a package heading to the Chicago Bulls. The former Duke guard has proved to be one of the best reserve point guards in the league as a dependable rotation player for San Antonio. His ability to be a pure floor-general has helped unleash 21-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama, especially when 12-time All-Star Chris Paul is off the court. The former ACC Defensive Player of the Year has brought much-needed energy on defense, establishing himself as one of the league’s top defenders among players 6-foot-1 and under.
Jones will look to make an impact on a Bulls team in need of a steady, level-headed guard in its rotation. However, with pass-first guards Lonzo Ball and Josh Giddey already earning the trust of coach Billy Donovan, securing consistent minutes won’t come easy. Additionally, with Jones on an expiring contract, the Bulls may be hesitant to invest in him as a long-term piece.
Marvin Bagley III, Memphis Grizzlies
In an effort to create salary cap flexibility, the Memphis Grizzlies traded away Marcus Smart and a first round pick in exchange for multiple second round picks, Johnny Davis and the former Blue Devil Bagley III. The Tempe, Ariz., native has struggled to find his footing in the NBA, now joining his fourth team in the association after being drafted second overall in the 2018 draft. Bagley III’s season has been plagued by injuries, with his latest setback — a knee sprain suffered on December 24th — keeping him sidelined for an extended period. This latest absence adds to a growing list of injuries that have disrupted his ability to find consistency on the court, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
The former ACC Player of the Year still possesses significant upside if he can stay healthy and regain his form. He now joins an uber-talented frontcourt anchored by breakout star Jaren Jackson Jr., giving Memphis another intriguing piece with potential. However, like Jones, Bagley III is on an expiring contract, putting added pressure on him to prove his value quickly. With the Grizzlies currently sitting second in the West, he’ll have to convince both the front office and coach Taylor Jenkins that he’s worthy of a consistent role in the rotation.
Deal undone: Mark Williams and Cam Reddish
Late Wednesday night, the Hornets agreed to a deal to send Mark Williams to the Lakers for a 2031 first round pick, Dalton Knecht and Duke alum Cam Reddish. After parting ways with Anthony Davis in the Luka Dončić deal, Williams was poised to take over as the de-facto starting center, offering elite rim protection and a formidable lob threat. Reddish, on the other hand, would’ve given Charlotte even more wing depth, providing athleticism and versatility to a young team in the midst of a rebuild.
However, after complications with Williams’ physical, the trade was ultimately rescinded. The former McDonald’s All-American is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds, but durability remains a severe concern. The Norfolk, Va., native has played in just 85 of a possible 212 games (40.1%) over his first two and a half seasons with the Hornets. With the trade falling through, Williams will now look to prove he can stay available and solidify his role in Charlotte’s future plans. Reddish now returns to the Lakers and will have the opportunity to thrive alongside the generational talent of Dončić, whose ability to elevate those around him could maximize Reddish’s impact.
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