New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has been mentioned in trade chatter because he is entering the final year of his current contract in 2024-25, where he’ll earn roughly $36 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Ingram wants to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans in the long run amid rumors, but only for the right price in the form of a lucrative max contract.
“Brandon Ingram wants to stay in New Orleans. New Orleans wants Brandon Ingram,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Right now, from what I’m told, Brandon Ingram’s trade market is limited. The sense around New Orleans is that he is going to be there, they are fully expecting Brandon Ingram to be a part of the team.”
“The sense around New Orleans is – you start the year, you see what you have, and then make any adjustments that you have to. From what I’m told, he’s looking for $45 to $50 million per year in an extension,” he added.
With lucrative contracts already paid to Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum, it is hard to see the New Orleans Pelicans grant Brandon Ingram’s wish without complicating their cap situation.
Brandon Ingram looks to bounce back for the New Orleans Pelicans next season
Brandon Ingram is coming off a decent 2023-24 campaign, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 49.2 percent shooting from the floor in 64 regular season games.
However, his numbers dropped significantly during the playoffs. Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 34.5 percent shooting from the floor. As a result, the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t win a single game in the first round against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
At one point during the series, it was reported that Ingram had an uneasy exchange with head coach Willie Green about how he was utilized on the offensive end, which will play a role in the ongoing negotiations between him and the team.
