Brandon Ingram, the talented forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, is undoubtedly a scoring sensation when he graces the basketball court. His ability to light up the scoreboard is evident, as he averaged an impressive 24.7 points per game last season, showcasing his prowess as a dynamic scorer. However, as the NBA offseason chatter unfolds, it appears that Ingram and the Pelicans have opted for a patient approach when discussing a contract extension.
Ingram’s journey in the league has been filled with ups and downs. His scoring ability is unquestionable, as evidenced by his scoring output last season, including a solid 39% shooting from beyond the arc. However, injuries have occasionally disrupted his playing time, and some voices in New Orleans have expressed frustration with his willingness to return to action while nursing injuries.
Currently entering the fourth year of a five-year, $158.3 million contract, Ingram is technically eligible for a contract extension, offering up to three more years and $147 million. However, both Ingram and the Pelicans have postponed contract negotiations until next summer, as reported by Christian Clark in the Times-Picayune.
This decision makes sense for various reasons. First, waiting until next summer potentially allows Ingram to secure a more substantial and lucrative extension. If all goes well, he could ink a four-year deal worth approximately $221 million. Of course, the possibility of an even more lucrative supermax contract, accounting for 35% of the salary cap, would become a reality if Ingram made an All-NBA team. However, achieving such a feat would require a significant uptick in performance and durability, as the last time Ingram managed to play 65 games in a season was during his rookie year.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have their reasons for wanting to delay negotiations. Despite having a promising roster, injuries have plagued their key players, including Brandon Ingram. The team’s potential to make a deep postseason run is hampered by the inconsistent availability of their star talents. Moreover, the emergence of Trey Murphy III, a young player who plays a similar wing position to Ingram, further complicates the situation. Murphy brings a more substantial defensive presence and an improving scoring ability, raising questions about the future of the team’s wing position.
Ingram’s standing has also been somewhat affected by his performance during the summer with Team USA. While initially tapped to be a leading scorer from the wing, he faced challenges adapting to Coach Steve Kerr’s system, struggled with isolation scoring, and experienced difficulties in defensive and rebounding aspects. Eventually, he was moved to the bench and replaced by Josh Hart during the World Cup.
All these factors have led to a mutual decision by Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans to defer contract extension discussions until next summer. Ingram’s undeniable scoring abilities may be his calling card, but how much the Pelicans are willing to invest in him remains unanswered. The patient approach allows both parties to evaluate their future options and make informed decisions, ultimately benefiting both the player and the team.
