The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in a delicate situation regarding the future of their current core.
With Zion Williamson already out, the Pelicans suffered yet another blow after Brandon Ingram suffered a low ankle sprain on December 08, 2024.
As a result, the veteran forward is now sidelined indefinitely. On a different note, the tussle between Ingram and NOLA regarding a potential contract extension has caught fans’ attention.
At 27 years old, Ingram is entering the prime of his career, but he is yet to secure his next deal with the organization. It could lead to the 2019-20 NBA All-Star demanding a trade.
Ingram’s current deal is set to expire after the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. The 27-year-old star reportedly turned down a contract extension worth $50 million per year in hopes of signing a better deal.
The unsettled star has appeared in a plethora of trade rumors as well. With that in mind, NBA Analysis Network spoke to insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson about potential trade suitors for Ingram.
“Some of the teams that have expressed interest in BI are the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat,” Scoop B revealed.
He added: “While I’d personally like to see Ingram playing alongside the young core of Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul. CP3 and Ingram are both from the state of North Carolina and are both Jordan athletes.”
Robinson pointed to Butler’s recent contract extension troubles as a reason behind the Heat’s interest in the talented forward.
“The Miami Heat are also interesting because they’ve got Jimmy Butler extension issues also. Those are just some of the teams that have interest in Ingram,” Robinson revealed.
While other teams have shown interest as well, the Pelicans have deemed those offers unfit.
“Other teams from what one high-ranking official on the NOLA side shared are offering ‘lowball, bull____ deals,’” Scoop B concluded.
The next few months will be crucial for Ingram and the Pelicans as they hope to strike a deal.
Many reports have pointed to the LA Lakers‘ interest in a potential reunion with Ingram. However, according to Robinson, the Purple and Gold do not have an ‘enticing’ package to offer.
“While the Lakers would benefit from Brandon Ingram’s services, I’m not sure at this moment that D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura are enough of an enticing trade package for LA to get Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans,” he stated.
“Brandon enjoyed his time in Los Angeles and has fond memories of his time there,” Robinson added.
It’s unfortunate news for the Lakers, who have been on the lookout for adding another star to the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
It wouldn’t be hard to confuse Ingram’s current relationship with the Pelicans. In fact, many may believe that there is some bad blood between the two sides.
But Scoop B tells us the Pelicans’ front office wants to re-sign Ingram and there are no ill feelings between them. So, what will it take to bring Ingram back?
“Ingram wants a max deal in the range of a four-year, $208 million deal. The Pelicans, I’m told, have been consistent in their offer of a four-year extension in the $160 million – $180 million range in the past six months,” Scoop B continued.
“Ingram’s reps and the Pelicans have had pleasant conversations about working together to either get a contract extension done or move Ingram to a team via trade,” he revealed.
Before suffering the ankle injury, Ingram had averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in 18 appearances this season.
Related Posts
