In a firm stance, the New Orleans Pelicans have made it clear that Brandon Ingram is a pivotal part of their roster strategy. Despite the swirling rumors, Ingram isn’t going anywhere just yet. The forward, whose tenure with the Pelicans began with an impressive average of 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts per game, has seen these attempts decline steadily each year. However, this diminishing stat has not impacted his value in the eyes of the Pelicans’ management.
Ingram’s financial future has been a focal point for both the player and the franchise. Set to earn $36 million in the 2024-25 season, he is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years. However, the Pelicans have chosen not to offer this lucrative extension just yet. According to David Griffin, the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, several factors influence this decision, primarily financial considerations and the evolving NBA landscape.
Financial Realities and Strategic Decisions
"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," said Griffin. "At the same time, there is a financial reality to this... we’re committed to each other." This reflective stance indicates a mutual understanding between the team and Ingram's camp regarding the complexities of modern NBA team management.
Griffin added, "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." This candid sentiment underscores the challenges faced by smaller market teams in maintaining a competitive roster without breaching collective bargaining agreement constraints. The new agreement limits teams with payrolls exceeding the first apron of $178.1 million from taking back more salary than they send out, and those over the second apron of $188.9 million face even stricter restrictions.
Exploring Trade Scenarios
While Ingram and the Pelicans have explored potential trade scenarios, these have included the context of a maximum extension with other teams. Yet, no concrete moves have been made. As Griffin pointed out, "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." These complications reflect the broader economic calculus of ensuring financial sustainability while chasing championship aspirations.
Injuries and Roster Changes
Ingram's recent knee hyperextension and star teammate Zion Williamson's season-ending injury during the play-in tournament have only added layers of complexity to the Pelicans' situation. These setbacks starkly highlighted the pressure on Ingram. "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin acknowledged.
Adding to the roster reshuffle, the Pelicans recently acquired Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, a move that cost them Larry Nance Jr. in the process. Additionally, they let Jonas Valanciunas go in free agency. The team is counting on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to bolster their frontcourt depth.
Building Towards the Future
Discussing the team’s strategy moving forward, Griffin stated, "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." His remarks reflect a strategic pivot towards optimizing strengths while addressing evident gaps.
Despite criticisms and external perceptions, Griffin remains optimistic about the team’s potential: "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." This focus on internal strengths and a clear strategic direction underscores the Pelicans’ commitment to crafting a competitive future.
Ultimately, the coming seasons will reveal whether the Pelicans’ strategy and financial maneuvers can bring sustained success and capitalize on their current roster’s potential, with Brandon Ingram as a crucial cornerstone of their plans.