According to NBA journalist Evan Sidery, the New Orleans Pelicans are unlikely to offer Brandon Ingram a contract extension. Sidery notes that the 26-year-old is eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension. However, the team is likely “going in another direction.”
The Pelicans are not expected to offer Brandon Ingram a contract extension this offseason. Ingram is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million deal, but New Orleans will be going in another direction.
Next season is Ingram’s final one under contract. In 2025, the one-time All-Star will hit unrestricted free agency. A few months ago, an anonymous Eastern Conference exec suggested the Pelicans will have to decide between Ingram and Zion Williamson and who to build around in the long run.
The news of the Pelicans likely moving away from Ingram comes after his disappointing playoff run. New Orleans exited the first round of the playoffs in a sweep by the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. In the four games, Ingram averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot a horrendous 34.5% from the field and 25% from the three-point line. After the Pelicans’ season ended, Ingram talked about feeling “motivated” to bounce back.
“From [Team] USA up to this season, is probably the worst I have been in a New Orleans Pelicans uniform, [and] I am motivated by that,” he said. “I can’t go back and blame coaches, I can’t blame everybody else but myself. I gotta look myself in the mirror and tell myself what I really need to do, how can I help this team, how can I help the coaches, and how do I get the fans of New Orleans to believe in us again. That’s my job, that’s my task.”
New Orleans Pelicans Star On the Move?
The Philadelphia 76ers Reportedly Have Interest in Brandon Ingram
Recently, reports indicated that the 76ers are monitoring Ingram’s status. After their disappointing first-round loss to the New York Knicks, the 76ers are looking to shake up their core. It is already expected that the team will not bring back forward Tobias Harris, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Ingram is still a solid two-way player with an impressive offensive game. Teaming him with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is intriguing. Additionally, Ingram has played second fiddle for most of his career up to this point. It is a role he is accustomed to and can excel in. During the regular season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Having a guy like Ingram on the team during Embiid’s absence would have helped the team succeed without him on the court.
The Last Word on Brandon Ingram
In his five seasons with the team, Ingram has played the best basketball of his career with the Pelicans. The Duke alum made an All-Star team and won the Most Improved Player award in his first year in New Orleans. However, moving on is likely best for both sides. This will allow the Pelicans to re-tool around Williamson, and it will give Ingram a much-needed change of scenery.
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