Ingram’s Market: Rumors and Reality
The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a challenging offseason as they struggle to find a trade partner for Brandon Ingram. Despite Ingram’s solid performance last season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 64 games, the trade market for him has cooled significantly. The Kings, who were initially considered a potential landing spot for Ingram, opted for DeMar DeRozan instead. The Cleveland Cavaliers, after re-signing Donovan Mitchell, also decided to stick with their core. Golden State showed some interest, but it never gained momentum.
Financial Landscape Under the New CBA
The difficulty in trading Ingram highlights the financial realities under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Teams are increasingly cautious about committing to max contracts, especially with the stringent tax implications of the second apron. This new financial environment makes it challenging for players like Ingram, who, while talented, are not considered definitive max-contract players by many front offices.
Ingram is eligible for a four-year, $208 million max contract extension, but the Pelicans are reluctant to offer this deal. This hesitation is mirrored by other teams, making it tough for New Orleans to find a trade partner willing to meet Ingram’s contract demands. Will Guillory of The Athletic noted that this financial caution is widespread across the league, affecting many good players’ prospects for securing max contracts.
Pelicans finding Brandon Ingram trade market cool, nobody wants to pay next contract https://t.co/MK5Q3i7kG2
— Michael Soriano (@sor12907) July 8, 2024
Failed Trade Talks and Financial Constraints
The Pelicans made a significant move by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks before the start of free agency. Atlanta had been one of the main teams linked with Ingram in trade rumors. However, the Hawks showed little interest in giving Ingram his next contract or moving either of their top centers, Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu.
Ingram is not alone in facing these challenges. The new CBA makes it difficult for teams to have more than a couple of max contracts without delving deep into the luxury tax. As a result, max contracts are increasingly reserved for no-questions-asked stars like Jayson Tatum, or up-and-coming talents like Franz Wagner who are seen as worth the gamble.
The Question of Ingram’s Championship Viability
A critical question for many teams is whether Ingram can be a top-two player on a championship team. Many front offices remain unconvinced, particularly considering his injury history, which includes numerous missed games and extended recovery periods. This skepticism further diminishes the likelihood of teams offering him a max contract.
Pelicans’ Dilemma and Potential Trade Targets
The Pelicans find themselves in a tight spot. They are eager to move on from Ingram and ideally want to trade him for a starting center. This desire led them to discuss a trade involving Clint Capela with Atlanta. There has also been speculation among Pelicans fans about a potential trade for Deandre Ayton from Portland. However, such a trade seems unlikely as it would reduce touches for Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson in Portland, and the Trail Blazers would face the same contract dilemmas with Ingram next summer.
brandon ingram
Future Outlook for the Pelicans and Ingram
Despite the challenges, the Pelicans will continue to explore trade options for Ingram. His fit with Zion Williamson has not been as seamless as hoped, and he does not seem to be a natural fit next to Dejounte Murray either. Additionally, Trey Murphy III’s development deserves more minutes on the wing, further complicating Ingram’s role in the team.
The market for Ingram may cool even more in the coming weeks. However, it could heat up again as training camp approaches and teams reassess their rosters, especially with the inevitable injuries that occur. Until then, it may fall to Pelicans coach Willie Green to find a way to integrate Ingram effectively into the team’s plans.
The saga of Brandon Ingram’s trade prospects reflects broader trends in the NBA’s financial landscape under the new CBA. Teams are becoming more cautious with their financial commitments, and players like Ingram are finding it increasingly challenging to secure max contracts. As the Pelicans navigate these complexities, the resolution of Ingram’s future will be a significant storyline to watch in the upcoming season.