Brandon Ingram, a former All-Star and key piece of the Anthony Davis trade, is in the final year of his contract. With extension talks between Ingram and the Pelicans having repeatedly stalled, the team is faced with the prospect of losing him for nothing in free agency.
A Tweet read,
“Finding a new home for Brandon Ingram is a ‘priority’ for the New Orleans Pelicans’ front office, per @espn_macmahon & @BobbyMarks42
“Right now, the 5-28 Pelicans, whose playoff hopes have been destroyed by a series of injuries to the rotation, are focused on moving one of Williamson’s teammates ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Finding a trade for injured forward Brandon Ingram, a one-time All-Star in a contract year whose extension talks have repeatedly fizzled, is the priority for the Pelicans’ front office, sources told ESPN.””
Finding a new home for Brandon Ingram is a ‘priority’ for the New Orleans Pelicans’ front office, per @espn_macmahon & @BobbyMarks42
“Right now, the 5-28 Pelicans, whose playoff hopes have been destroyed by a series of injuries to the rotation, are focused on moving one of… pic.twitter.com/mwzakIPyiy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 31, 2024
Pelicans’ Current Situation
The Pelicans have had a challenging season, currently holding a 5-28 record. Their playoff hopes have been significantly hampered by a series of injuries to key players, including Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, and CJ McCollum. Ingram himself has been sidelined with a high-grade low left ankle sprain since early December, missing the team’s past nine games.
Brandon Ingram’s Performance and Contract
Brandon Ingram, a one-time All-Star, has been productive when healthy this season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers made. Despite his impressive stats, the Pelicans have been unable to agree on a new contract extension with Ingram, making a trade the most logical move to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency.
Potential Trade Partners
Several teams have shown interest in Ingram, including the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers. The Pelicans are looking for a trade package that includes draft picks and players to help rebuild their roster. However, finding a team willing to take on Ingram’s current salary and meet his future contract demands has been a challenge.
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