Image Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans trade forward Brandon Ingram to Toronto Raptors

New Orleans only had Ingram for 18 games this season, where he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.

Image Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans traded forward Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick in the NBA Draft. The information was confirmed by Shams Charania of ESPN on Wednesday (February 5). Josh Lewenberg from TSN added that the first-round pick will be the Indiana Pacers’ 2026 pick, which is protected for the top four spots in the draft.

Ingram will leave the Pelicans after five seasons with the team. Despite being one of their top scorers, his future with the team had been uncertain in recent months, especially following his poor performance in the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2023-24 playoffs. He averaged 14.3 points on 34.5% shooting in the sweep suffered against OKC.

Also Read:
Lonzo Ball signs two-year contract extension worth $20 M with Chicago Bulls
“Warriors literally got worse with this trade”- Fans flood social media with memes as Miami Heat trade Jimmy Butler to Warriors
Miami Heat trade Jimmy Butler to Warriors in a multi-team trade

Brandon Ingram’s constant struggles with injuries

Brandon Ingram has also frequently dealt with injuries. He has not played since December of last year due to a significant injury to his left ankle.

The forward has not appeared in more than 64 games in a single season since his rookie year in 2016-17. New Orleans only had Ingram for 18 games this season, where he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.

The move by New Orleans also has financial motivations. Ingram is in the final year of an extension he signed in 2020, shortly after his rookie contract ended. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the next offseason and could sign a contract of up to four years and $208 million.

Franchises are looking for better days ahead

In Toronto, Ingram will have the chance to be an experienced name on a roster in the middle of a rebuild. The Canadian team has talented players like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Gradey Dick, but they still need development to improve, having posted a record of 16 wins and 35 losses this year.

Now, the Pelicans, who have the worst record in the Western Conference with 12 wins and 39 losses, will rely on the contributions of Brown and Olynyk. Brown will become a free agent in the offseason and averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 51 games with the Raptors. The veteran center, who has a contract through 2025-26, posted 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds during his time in Canada.