Will The New Orleans Pelicans And Brandon Ingram End Up Stuck Together?

The New Orleans Pelicans’ top priority ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline is moving Brandon Ingram, according to ESPN. And this breakup between Ingram and the Pelicans has been in the making since the summer.

In the midst of one of their worst seasons in franchise history, once again snake-bitten by injuries to a lot of the primary core players, the Pelicans are operating as sellers with the deadline less than one week away.

Since suffering a severe ankle sprain nearly six weeks ago, Ingram remains out of the Pelicans’ lineup as trade winds begin to blow heavily around him once more. However, New Orleans has endured a tough time trying to find any teams seriously interested in acquiring his large $36 million expiring contract ahead of unrestricted free agency.

Since the beginning of failed contract extension talks between Ingram and the Pelicans, the main buzz around it is due to his desires to earn a new deal over $200 million. New Orleans never felt comfortable offering Ingram anywhere close to max contract value, which has led to a dissolving relationship on both sides.

For New Orleans, they now know they have their two primary wings of the future in Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. Murphy is producing a career-best breakout campaign averaging 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in Ingram’s absence. With Jones, he has proven consistently to be one of the NBA’s best on-ball wing defenders – a coveted player archetype every team is looking for nowadays.

Add in the wildcard of Zion Williamson, plus the recent trade for Dejounte Murray, Ingram will be the odd man out in terms of getting the long-term money he desires here.

So, where will Ingram and the Pelicans go from here? Over the last six-plus months, Ingram has been available for the right price. Steadily, that price continues to fall as no suitor appears to be making aggressive overtures.

At this point, New Orleans would be lucky to receive any valuable draft compensation or young prospects in return for Ingram. Now, it’s looking like a pure salary dump transaction involving Ingram is the most likely scenario for New Orleans to dux the luxury tax this season.

Ingram is a borderline All-Star talent. During his six seasons with the Pelicans, Ingram is averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists while carrying an above-average 57.6 true shooting percentage. The issue with the 27-year-old wing always comes back to durability concerns.

During his nine-year stint in the Association, Ingram has never logged a single season playing a full 82-game schedule. Since becoming a full-time starter after his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram’s high in games played is only 64.

Will any teams come out of nowhere to acquire Ingram? New Orleans is looking for the right opportunity to get at least some value in return, but that honestly might not occur. The Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings all registered interest over the summer, but none have shown much urgency to circle back at the deadline yet.

For Ingram and the Pelicans, the most realistic play could be seeking sign-and-trade opportunities during the 2025 offseason. From there, New Orleans would be able to find out Ingram’s true market in free agency – and in turn receive what they’re looking for in any potential framework.

It would be a stunner if Ingram stays with New Orleans past this season. Both sides know it’s time to move on, but it might have to be in June or July compared to the February 6th NBA trade deadline.