Pelicans To Explore Brandon Ingram Trade If Contract Talks Fail
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has been one of the bigger dominoes in the early goings of this offseason. At first, there were reports that the Pelicans were unlikely to offer him a max contract. Now, it seems the team is trying to get a deal done, but they are prepared to search the trade market if they don't get a deal done that is friendly for both sides. The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the teams interested in a trade as they search for a third star to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Other teams mentioned are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, but they would have more hoops to jump through in terms of contract numbers. According to Jake Fischer, one team that could emerge as a trade suitor is the Sacramento Kings who are looking to upgrade from Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is reportedly eager to remain on the team. "Brandon wants to stay here," said Pelicans president David Griffin during his post-draft availability. "He believes in what we're building. That's meaningful to us. It's meaningful to him. I think it's meaningful to his agent. At the same time, there's a financial reality that we all deal with." We could still see Ingram in a new uniform next season because the Pelicans aren't willing to offer him a max extension. He is eligible for a four-year, $208 million deal. Ingram's health issues -- he has played 60-plus games just three times since his rookie year -- and playoff struggles make him a risky investment for New Orleans.
Pelicans Unlikely To Offer Max Extension To Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will be left without a max extension this offseason. "Considering their current and future financial situation, the Pelicans are unlikely to offer him that maximum deal this offseason," William Guillory of The Athletic wrote on Monday. Ingram is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million contract in the summer. The team understandably isn't very keen to make such a big investment in Ingram after seeing him struggle in the playoffs. New Orleans was swept in the first round by Oklahoma City, with Ingram settling for 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists with 34.5 shooting from the field.
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Philadelphia 76ers could make a push to acquire Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram this offseason. There are reports the Sixers are interested in Paul George. But if George decides to remain in Los Angeles, Philadelphia views Ingram as a "plan B option." The 26-year-old is coming off a down season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 boards. He also shot 35.5% from behind the arc. With that said, Ingram is always one of the best players on the floor. Yet, he can't stay healthy, so his fantasy stock is nearly at an all-time low.
Brandon Ingram Not Expected To Receive An Extension This Offseason
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Ingram isn't expected to be extended by the team this offseason. The 2020 All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million deal. However, it looks like the Pelicans are ready to move on from Ingram, who has one year left to go on his current contract. Ingram, who will be making around $36 million in 2024-25, has enjoyed a solid career in New Orleans, averaging 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across five seasons. But the 26-year-old has battled various injuries, with 64 regular-season appearances in 2023-24 being the most he has managed across a single campaign, and he was a major letdown for the team in the 2024 playoffs.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Ingram finished Wednesday's Game 2 loss against Oklahoma City with a full line after initially struggling in the contest. Ingram had only four points in the first half before finding his rhythm in the second and finishing with 18 points on 5-for-10 shooting. He nailed all eight free throws and tallied four rebounds with three assists, one steal, and one block. Ingram hasn't looked quite himself since returning from a knee injury in the regular-season finale. The talented scorer has yet to make a three-pointer in the series against OKC and averages a measly 15.0 points on 37 percent shooting.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) remains off the injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The 26-year-old recently returned from a lengthy stint on the shelf because of a knee injury. But he's been limited, combining for 44 minutes in the last two games. However, according to head coach Willie Green, Ingram "had a great practice" on Thursday. With that said, Zion Williamson (hamstring) won't suit up, so the team will need Ingram on the floor. Yet, he'll remain a risky DFS option until his workload increases, which may not be anytime soon.
Brandon Ingram Likely To See More Minutes On Tuesday
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Tuesday's Play-In meeting with the Lakers. The 26-year-old injured his knee during a matchup with the Orlando Magic in March and was sidelined for 12 games. However, he returned for the regular-season finale versus the Lakers, amassing 13 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes. Fortunately, head coach Willie Green reported that Ingram looked good during practice on Monday, so the plan is to increase his minutes for Tuesday's rematch with Los Angeles. Of course, he'll likely see less work than usual. But Ingram is still worth considering for any DFS contest after Green's latest update.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Ingram logged 23 minutes in his first game back from a knee injury in Sunday's losing effort against the Lakers. The Pelicans produced a sub-par performance in a must-win game, but Ingram played well in his first action since March 21, shooting 6-for-9 from the field en route to 13 points and five rebounds. Ingram missed the previous 12 games, but the team should ramp up his minutes quickly, as the Pelicans now enter the play-in tournament, with a rematch against the Lakers scheduled for Tuesday. Ingram has always saved some of his best performances for his former team, averaging 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists for his career against the Lakers.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) is ruled out for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. There is optimism for Ingram returning soon after doing more in practice, but he will miss his 11th consecutive game. Ingram has two more regular season games after this to return before the postseason and play-in games start. Trey Murphy III has stepped up most with averages of 16.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over those 11 games in Ingram's absence. Larry Nance Jr. and Herbert Jones also get extra frontcourt minutes that come without Ingram to boost their value.
