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Brandon Ingram’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans is in serious doubt. The star forward, set to become a free agent after the 2024-25 season, has reportedly been unable to come to terms on a contract extension with the team. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, efforts to find a trade partner have also hit significant roadblocks, leaving the Pelicans in a precarious position.
Contract Extension Stalemate
Ingram, 27, is currently in the third year of a five-year, $158 million deal he signed with the Pelicans in 2020. Despite being one of the team’s most productive players this season—averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game—both sides reportedly cannot agree on terms for an extension.
Sources suggest that New Orleans is hesitant to keep Ingram under his current deal, given the team’s entrance into the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history. With a record of 4-16, the Pelicans’ disappointing start to the 2024-25 campaign only amplifies the urgency to move Ingram and avoid losing him for nothing in free agency.
Trade Talks Stalled
The Pelicans have actively pursued trade options for Ingram since last summer but have encountered numerous obstacles. Per Windhorst:
- Matching Salary: Moving Ingram’s $36 million annual salary is a significant challenge for potential trade partners.
- Value Exchange: New Orleans seeks a trade that would both reduce payroll and yield meaningful assets. Thus far, no deal has struck the right balance.
- Ingram’s Preferences: Finding a trade partner willing to give Ingram the long-term contract he desires has further complicated negotiations.
The stalemate has left New Orleans in a difficult position: they risk either retaining Ingram through his free-agent year and receiving nothing in return or accepting a deal that fails to meet their expectations.
Ingram’s Performance and Value
Despite the team’s struggles, Ingram has been one of the few consistent performers for New Orleans. His offensive production, playmaking ability, and relative health—he has played in 16 games this season—underscore his value. Ingram remains a coveted player around the league, particularly for teams looking for a versatile wing with scoring and ball-handling capabilities.
However, his future with the Pelicans looks increasingly untenable, with both sides seemingly at an impasse over his next contract.
Pelicans’ Dismal Start
The Pelicans’ poor start to the season further pressures the front office to make moves. At 4-16, their playoff hopes are virtually nonexistent just a quarter into the campaign. With significant payroll commitments and little success to show for it, New Orleans faces difficult decisions about the direction of the franchise.
The team’s struggles have also raised broader questions about the viability of their core. Ingram, Zion Williamson, and other key players have failed to consistently deliver results, partly due to injuries and partly due to poor team dynamics.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Given the challenges involved in trading Ingram, potential trade destinations are limited:
- Contending Teams: Teams in need of an offensive boost, such as the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers, could be interested but may lack the cap space or assets required to make a deal work.
- Rebuilding Franchises: Younger teams with cap flexibility, like the Orlando Magic or Houston Rockets, might have the resources to take on Ingram’s salary but would need assurance he’d sign a long-term extension.
- Third-Team Involvement: A multi-team trade could help facilitate a deal, allowing the Pelicans to offload Ingram’s salary while acquiring assets from various teams.
Looking Ahead
Time is of the essence for the Pelicans. The longer they wait to resolve Ingram’s future, the less leverage they may have in trade discussions. However, rushing into a suboptimal deal could hurt the franchise in the long run.
For now, the focus remains on navigating a challenging situation in a season that is quickly slipping away. Whether Ingram finishes the year in a Pelicans uniform or finds himself on a new team, one thing is clear: New Orleans faces a pivotal moment in shaping its future.
