Brandon Ingram has had a rough summer and has been consistently linked to a move away from the New Orleans Pelicans, who he joined in 2019. After a disappointing season last year, Ingram has been in trade rumors all summer long. While no deal has materialized, Ingram is now missing team practices according to Shamit Dua.
“Brandon Ingram did not show up to the informal workouts the Pelicans had in California… Brandon Ingram finds himself in a situation where he is the only player that did not show up to these workouts except for Daniel Theis, who was reported that was not going to be there in the first place,”
Daily Dive Episode 48: Brandon Ingram Did Not Attend Voluntary Workouts in California
Brandon Ingram was the only Pelicans player outside of Daniel Theis who did not attend workouts in California, after it was reported the entire team would be there. pic.twitter.com/SsOaUGNOT4
— Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown) September 2, 2024
Ingram being the only one to miss the practice, especially when he’s been present in previous years is odd. He’s clearly trying to put pressure on the franchise to get him traded to a favorable location, though his nearly expiring contract will give the receiving team no guarantee on whether he’ll stay for beyond just a season.
With the addition of Dejounte Murray, the Pels will have even fewer minutes on-ball for Ingram to be a consistent 20-point scorer. A deal might be the right place to look, but they’d have to move him ASAP as his value tanks every day he stays on an expiring contract.
Ingram recently shared a cryptic video on social media, implying his true value isn’t realized by the people around him.
“You cannot stay in environments where people don’t know the true value of you,” the video says. “If you stay in environments where people don’t recognize the value of you, you will shrink your gift to the size of what they can stand.”
Ah… the NBA is real quiet, literally nothing happening… All the trades seem to be done…
Oh hey Brandon Ingram Just posted this! pic.twitter.com/kXfNpndGZV
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) August 30, 2024
He averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season, struggling to float within the team’s more pronounced ball-movement style of offense. Hopefully, this season goes very differently for the Pelicans, as they’re still yet to make the Playoff as a top-six seed since the days of Anthony Davis.
Pelicans Need To Move Brandon Ingram For A Big Man
Ingram feels the way he does because the Pelicans are trying to find a new home for him before the start of the season. Ingram has a hefty $36 million owed to him next season, which is a tall price to meet for a team trying to acquire a center. There aren’t many top-notch centers in the league making that much, but the Pelicans need to flip Ingram’s contract in one way or the other.
Currently, the Pelicans are relying on a center duo of Daniel Theis and rookie Yves Missi. This won’t cut it in the West, even if Zion Williamson decides to play center. They need elite big-man options to accentuate CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray in the backcourt as well.
There are no obvious landing spots for Ingram, though the Warriors have been heavily linked due to their clear need for a No. 2 scorer on the wing. Ingram fits what they need perfectly and could be a solid option to pursue after the Warriors struck out on Paul George and Lauri Markkanen.
Both Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis could be included in an Ingram deal, so the Pelicans can solve their problems while the Warriors can take a step forward.
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