The New Orleans Pelicans have put their cards on the table: Brandon Ingram is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. As the franchise navigates through its current roster and financial constraints, it has become evident that both the team and Ingram's camp are dedicated to continued collaboration, although the specifics remain intricate.
Ingram's Contract and Performance
Brandon Ingram, who will earn $36 million in the 2024-25 season, is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years. Despite the lucrative offer that could be on the table, the Pelicans have opted not to extend this deal just yet. This decision, as indicated by David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, is rooted in financial reality. "I think from a relationship standpoint, we've been really clear we'd prefer Brandon stays with us and Brandon's been pretty clear he prefers to stay with us. At the same time, there is a financial reality to this... we’re committed to each other," Griffin noted.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Constraints
The collective bargaining agreement has imposed new restrictions on team payrolls. Should a team's payroll exceed the first apron of $178.1 million, they face limitations on taking back more salary than they send out in trades. Additionally, teams over the second apron of $188.9 million cannot combine multiple players' salaries in trades. Such constraints weigh heavily on the Pelicans' strategy regarding Ingram's future and potential moves.
Trade Scenarios and Market Limitations
Both the Pelicans and Ingram's management have reportedly examined trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams. Griffin’s comments shed light on the team's cautious approach. "In some markets, you don't have to make any decisions: You get a max, and you get a max, and you get a max, and you hoard talent. We're not that market," he explained. The financial realities of a smaller market require a different approach compared to larger markets that can afford to hand out hefty contracts with fewer repercussions.
On-Court Challenges
Ingram's on-court performance has seen fluctuations over his tenure with the Pelicans. Initially, he attempted 4.2 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game, making 42% of them, a figure that has steadily declined each year. More pressing are the health challenges facing the team. Ingram hyperextended his left knee near the end of the last regular season, and Zion Williamson's season-ending injury during the play-in tournament further hampered the team's aspirations.
Roster Changes
The Pelicans have been active in reshaping their roster. They acquired Dejounte Murray in a significant trade with the Atlanta Hawks while letting go of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and losing Larry Nance Jr. as part of the Murray deal. There is an evident push to rebuild their frontcourt depth with new additions like Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Building a Unique Strategy
Griffin acknowledges the criticism of the team's apparent gaps but maintains a focus on their intrinsic strengths. "When you don't have to pay them, you want all of them. And then when you actually have to hand them $50 million a year, mechanically, it gets complicated," Griffin admitted. In light of these financial and strategic realities, he articulated a clear direction: "So we gotta make choices, right?... we’re going to have to do this in a really unique way. And I think we’re pretty committed to playing small."
Recognizing the balance between financial restrictions and on-court performance, Griffin stressed the team's strengths. "I understand that everybody looks at the situation and goes, 'They’re missing this, they’re missing that,' but we also have a lot of strengths that we want to lean into."
The future of Brandon Ingram with the New Orleans Pelicans remains a topic rife with speculation. Both player and team have expressed a mutual desire to continue their relationship, even as financial and strategic complexities linger. For now, the Pelicans appear steadfast in maintaining their foundational pieces while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA's financial ecosystem.