The vacation came early for Brandon Ingram as the Pelicans were swept aside by the OKC in the first-round of the playoffs. Injury to Zion Williamson did not help their cause, as the franchise is looking to build around the forward for the next season. So where does this leave Brandon Ingram?
The All-Star had a stop-start season with the NOP and his injury concerns raised questions about his suitability for the team. As the summer trade window officially kicked off after the NBA Finals, things are in a developmental stage with most of the possible switches. Brandon Ingram is one of those players who have been linked to two different franchises for a move in the summer.
According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Pelicans took the initiative to move the forward to the Rockets. Alperen Sengun was their target but the Houston side did not show interest. But that was option one for the Pelicans. “League sources said New Orleans also contacted the Philadelphia 76ers concerning a possible Ingram trade,” wrote the NBA insider about the Pelicans’ second move.
Brandon Ingram averaged 20.8 points in the 64 games he played this season. Despite his injuries, he recorded healthy numbers of 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists, along with 49.2% shooting from the field.
In the post-season, his numbers dropped to 14.3 points from 34.5% shooting. His two-way threat makes him an asset for any franchise, but his value to the Pelicans is diminished to a trade piece due to his contract situation.
Update on Brandon Ingram Contract Situation
Ingram became eligible for a $208 million max contract on June 6. But, as per The Times-Picayune, the franchise is reluctant to match the price.
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Ingram has only a year left on his $158,253,000 5-year contract and this is the best time to trade him rather than losing him in free agency.
According to Brian Windhorst, the Sixers will monitor Ingram’s situation as they’re looking to bring in a 3rd star player to partner with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Though LeBron James is on the shortlist for the Sixers, Maxey’s impending new contract will leave too little space in their salary cap to sign the Lakers ace. Ingram, on the flip side, will cost them around $36 million. Paul George is another name, heavily linked with the Philly side, but as of now, not much movement has happened there either.
For Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans, it will be a summer of significant importance and the way things are progressing, this could be an offseason of fresh starts for both parties.
