Pelicans are allegedly unwilling to give Brandon Ingram a max deal.
The Pelicans are nearing a difficult summer, as former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram enters the final year of his deal, which pays him $36 million in 2024-25.
According to Christian Clark of The Times-Picayune (subscription required), New Orleans has tentative plans to supplement the trio of Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Zion Williamson with “better-fitting pieces.”
Despite having an overall net rating of +4.6 during the regular season, the Pelicans were outscored when their three leading scorers shared the court, according to Clark, and at least one of them could be dealt.
Starting July 1, Ingram will be eligible for a four-year, maximum-salary extension estimated to be worth $200 million or more. While the Pelicans are “open” to adding years to his existing contract, sources tell Clark that they are unwilling to give him a full max contract.
Clark compares Ingram to Zach LaVine, noting that both players have had good individual offensive statistics but have lost significant time due to injuries throughout their careers. Chicago attempted — unsuccessfully — to sell LaVine’s max contract during the season, and will allegedly try again this offseason.
According to Clark, if the Pelicans are unable to reach an extension with Ingram, they will “likely trade him.” That confirms prior reports that Ingram is the “most likely” Pelican to be on the move this summer. Clark mentions the Cavaliers and Hawks as teams who could be interested in the 26-year-old.
Clark wonders whether New Orleans may receive Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen from Cleveland in exchange for Ingram. I can’t imagine the Cavs trading Mobley for Ingram, but Allen isn’t out of the question. Still, Cleveland faces its own financial challenges, and adding Ingram would just exacerbate the situation – Allen is owed significantly less money ($40 million) over the next two seasons.
The NBA Draft Lottery is held on Sunday, but the Pelicans will not be affected by the drawing. They have until June 1 to determine whether to maintain the No. 17 overall pick (via the Lakers) or purchase the Lakers’ unprotected 2025 first-round pick.
Clark now hears that New Orleans is inclined to defer the choosing, but this is not guaranteed.
If the Pels hold the No. 17 pick, Clark predicts they will most likely trade it. New Orleans also has the No. 21 overall pick, and Clark is unconvinced that the team would maintain two first-round picks on a winning roster right now.
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