New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has been one of the bigger dominoes in the early goings of this offseason. At first, there were reports that the Pelicans were unlikely to offer him a max contract. Now, it seems the team is trying to get a deal done, but they are prepared to search the trade market if they don't get a deal done that is friendly for both sides. The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the teams interested in a trade as they search for a third star to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Other teams mentioned are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, but they would have more hoops to jump through in terms of contract numbers. According to Jake Fischer, one team that could emerge as a trade suitor is the Sacramento Kings who are looking to upgrade from Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is reportedly eager to remain on the team. "Brandon wants to stay here," said Pelicans president David Griffin during his post-draft availability. "He believes in what we're building. That's meaningful to us. It's meaningful to him. I think it's meaningful to his agent. At the same time, there's a financial reality that we all deal with." We could still see Ingram in a new uniform next season because the Pelicans aren't willing to offer him a max extension. He is eligible for a four-year, $208 million deal. Ingram's health issues -- he has played 60-plus games just three times since his rookie year -- and playoff struggles make him a risky investment for New Orleans.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will be left without a max extension this offseason. "Considering their current and future financial situation, the Pelicans are unlikely to offer him that maximum deal this offseason," William Guillory of The Athletic wrote on Monday. Ingram is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million contract in the summer. The team understandably isn't very keen to make such a big investment in Ingram after seeing him struggle in the playoffs. New Orleans was swept in the first round by Oklahoma City, with Ingram settling for 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists with 34.5 shooting from the field.

According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Philadelphia 76ers could make a push to acquire Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram this offseason. There are reports the Sixers are interested in Paul George. But if George decides to remain in Los Angeles, Philadelphia views Ingram as a "plan B option." The 26-year-old is coming off a down season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 boards. He also shot 35.5% from behind the arc. With that said, Ingram is always one of the best players on the floor. Yet, he can't stay healthy, so his fantasy stock is nearly at an all-time low.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Ingram isn't expected to be extended by the team this offseason. The 2020 All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million deal. However, it looks like the Pelicans are ready to move on from Ingram, who has one year left to go on his current contract. Ingram, who will be making around $36 million in 2024-25, has enjoyed a solid career in New Orleans, averaging 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across five seasons. But the 26-year-old has battled various injuries, with 64 regular-season appearances in 2023-24 being the most he has managed across a single campaign, and he was a major letdown for the team in the 2024 playoffs.