As the New Orleans Pelicans eye their future, one aspect is becoming increasingly clear: Brandon Ingram is at the forefront of their plans. Despite whispers of potential trades and contract extensions, the Pelicans and Ingram appear united, at least for now.
Ingram's financial value to the team is evident. The star forward is set to earn a substantial $36 million in the 2024-25 season. Moreover, he is eligible for a contract extension worth up to a whopping $208 million over the next four years. However, the Pelicans have refrained from offering this lucrative extension just yet, a decision likely influenced by the new collective bargaining agreement that imposes stricter salary cap rules.
According to the new regulations, teams whose payroll exceeds the first apron of $178.1 million face limitations on taking back more salary than they send out. The constraints grow even tighter for teams above the second apron of $188.9 million, which cannot combine multiple players' salaries in a trade. These financial stipulations undoubtedly play a role in the Pelicans' cautious approach to Ingram's contract situation.
David Griffin, the Pelicans' Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, has been transparent about the team's stance on Ingram. "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 emphasized.
Griffin also highlighted the economic disparities faced by smaller market teams. "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." The reality is stark: balancing talent retention with financial constraints poses a unique challenge for the Pelicans.
Meanwhile, both Ingram's camp and the Pelicans have reportedly explored potential trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams, indicating a willingness to consider all options. But for now, the focus remains on making strategic and prudent decisions within the constraints of their market size and salary cap.
On the court, Ingram's performance has seen its ups and downs. He started strong with the Pelicans, attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot threes per game and converting an impressive 42% of them. However, these attempts have steadily declined over the years. Compounding the challenges, Ingram hyperextended his left knee shortly before the end of last season, impacting his ability to perform at his peak.
The roster shuffle for the Pelicans has been extensive. Key player Zion Williamson suffered a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament, significantly hampering the team's postseason aspirations. In an effort to bolster their lineup, the Pelicans acquired Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. However, this move also saw the departure of Larry Nance Jr. Furthermore, the team lost Jonas Valanciunas in free agency.
To address the gaps in their frontcourt, the Pelicans are counting on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. This trio is expected to bring depth and versatility, which will be crucial as the Pelicans navigate the season.
Griffin acknowledged the tough decisions facing the team's management. "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," he explained. Despite the evident challenges, Griffin remains optimistic about 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."
Brandon Ingram's journey with the Pelicans has been a rollercoaster marked by highs and setbacks. Griffin summed up the difficulties Ingram has faced: "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon." Despite the adversities, there is a shared commitment between the player and the franchise.
As the Pelicans continue to strategize for their future, the intricate dance of maintaining financial prudence while building a competitive team will be central to their plans. For now, Brandon Ingram remains a key piece of this evolving puzzle, embodying both the aspirations and complexities of a franchise striving to make its mark in the NBA.