Brandon Ingram was traded to the Toronto Raptors on the NBA trade deadline, with the 27-year-old forward spending a very disgruntled season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram was widely expected to be moved, with the Raptors winning the race to acquire him before instantly handing him a three-year, $120 million contract.
Jake Fischer revealed on The Stein Line that Ingram actually turned down a four-year, $160 million contract with the Pelicans to get moved to a team he’d want to sign with.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that Ingram, in fact, passed on a four-year, $160 million deal from the Pelicans that would have kept him in New Orleans, meaning there was some serious money left on the proverbial table in his quest for more.”
“Maybe Ingram will have the chance to land one more sizable contract right before he turns 29, when the projected salary cap for 2027-28 rises more than $30 million above 2025-26 projections.”
“It’s likewise true that Ingram’s new deal with the Raptors almost certainly wouldn’t have surfaced in free agency this summer with so few teams on course to hold significant cap space and, in the end, really only two teams chasing him before last Thursday’s NBA Trade deadline: Toronto and Atlanta.”
Ingram was averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists for the Pelicans this season. He’s now a part of the Raptors’ core of forwards, with the franchise hoping to return to competing for the Playoffs next season.
Scottie Barnes has already emerged as the team’s franchise cornerstone, with Ingram’s offensive skill set being the perfect complement to Barnes in the frontcourt.
The Pelicans have always struggled to retain their players, with Ingram joining the team via trade in 2019 after Anthony Davis forced his way out. They have to rebuild for a competitive push next season after an injury-ridden campaign has essentially guaranteed a spot in the Draft lottery for them.
Brandon Ingram Wanted To Leave New Orleans
Brandon Ingram made it clear to everyone that he was waiting for a chance to leave the Pelicans, citing the media market issues in New Orleans.
He outright said he had been forgotten by NBA media because of his injuries this season, with the Raptors giving him another chance to blossom.
“It means ‘gem.’ I’m a gemstone I feel like, and that’s why he (Masai) came and got me. I feel the media coverage isn’t great in New Orleans amongst most the of the USA or global. I’ve been injured a little bit so I’ve been forgotten a little bit. So I feel like coming to Toronto, I’ve got a chance to sprout a little bit.”
Brandon Ingram on the backstory of getting a Chinese tattoo:
“It just looks really cool bro.” 😂😂😂
-Says the tattoo translates to “gem” “like he’s a gemstone.” Says he feels that’s why Bobby Webster acquired him.
-Says he does not like the media coverage in New Orleans.… pic.twitter.com/qGCbBF2j3r
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) February 12, 2025
Ingram is entering his prime and will have major expectations on his shoulders next summer. Masai Ujiri’s front office doesn’t hand out contracts as charity. If they’re paying him $40 million annually, he needs to earn that money on the floor or he’ll be traded elsewhere promptly.
Hopefully, he can find his stride with the Raptors and help Scottie find his too. The two could be among the best forward duos in the NBA provided they find a way to blend Ingram’s high-octane scoring with Barnes’ great defensive ability, with both being great passers in their position.
With a competitive core around Ingram and Scottie with RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and Gradey Dick, the Raptors will look to make a climb back up the East next season.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
