The New Orleans Pelicans' position on Brandon Ingram is unequivocal: their star is staying put, at least for the time being. Ingram, a cornerstone of the Pelicans' roster, is set to earn $36 million in the 2024-25 season and is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years. Yet, despite his undeniable value, the Pelicans have opted against offering this lucrative extension immediately.
The decision is rooted in the new collective-bargaining agreement, which imposes stringent restrictions on teams exceeding payroll thresholds. Notably, teams surpassing the first apron of $178.1 million face limitations on taking back more salary than they send out. Those over the second apron of $188.9 million cannot combine multiple players' salaries in a trade. These financial realities are shaping the Pelicans' cautious approach.
Exploring Trade Scenarios
According to reports, both the Pelicans and Ingram's camp have explored potential trade scenarios involving a max extension deal with other teams. Despite these explorations, there is a shared sentiment to maintain the current relationship. As David Griffin, the Pelicans' Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, articulated, "I think from a relationship standpoint, we've been really clear we'd prefer Brandon stays with us, and Brandon’s been pretty clear he prefers to stay with us. At the same time, there is a financial reality to this... we’re committed to each other."
Shooting Declines and Injury Woes
Ingram's performance and health have been focal points of his tenure with the Pelicans. Initially, he attempted 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game, making 42% of them. However, these attempts have steadily declined each year. Additionally, a hyperextended left knee hampered his contributions towards the end of the last regular season.
David Griffin highlighted the unfortunate timing, "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon." The team's other key player, Zion Williamson, also suffered a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament, which disrupted their playoff aspirations.
Roster Changes and Strategic Shifts
This offseason, the Pelicans have made notable roster adjustments. They acquired Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, leading to the departure of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and the loss of Larry Nance Jr. in the Murray trade. To bolster their frontcourt, the Pelicans are reportedly relying on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Griffin candidly addressed the financial constraints and market realities influencing their decisions: "In some markets, you don't have to make any decisions: You get a max, and you get a max, and you get a max, and you hoard talent. We’re not that market." He added, "When you don't have to pay them, you want all of them. And then when you actually have to hand them $50 million a year, mechanically, it gets complicated."
Pursuing a Unique Path
Griffin emphasized the need for strategic choices and a tailored approach for the Pelicans. "So we gotta make choices, right?... we’re going to have to do this in a really unique way. And I think we’re pretty committed to playing small." This commitment underscores an adaptive strategy, aiming to leverage the team's strengths while navigating the constraints of their market and financial landscape.
As the Pelicans chart their course forward, Griffin remains optimistic about their core strengths and potential. "I understand that everybody looks at the situation and goes, 'They’re missing this, they’re missing that,' but we also have a lot of strengths that we want to lean into." This balance between financial prudence and strategic ambition will define the Pelicans' efforts to build a competitive team around Ingram and their young talents.