Brandon Ingram's Future with the Pelicans: A Complex Equation
The New Orleans Pelicans have made their stance clear: Brandon Ingram is a cornerstone piece of their franchise. Set to earn a substantial $36 million in the 2024-25 season, Ingram's future with the team appears secure, yet complicated by financial realities and evolving league rules.
Ingram's Contract Dynamics
The former All-Star is eligible for a lucrative extension worth up to $208 million over four years. However, the Pelicans have opted not to offer this extension just yet. This decision reflects a considered approach given the constraints of the new collective-bargaining agreement (CBA). The CBA's updated stipulations, particularly regarding salary caps and trade restrictions, add layers of complexity to roster management. Specifically, teams with payrolls exceeding the first apron of $178.1 million face restrictions on taking back more salary in trades. Additionally, teams over the second apron of $188.9 million cannot aggregate multiple players' salaries in a trade.
David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Pelicans, articulated this nuanced situation: "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."
Strategic Decisions and Financial Realities
Griffin’s comments underscore the market-specific challenges the Pelicans face. "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." The competitive landscape of the NBA often demands tough financial and strategic decisions, especially for mid-sized markets like New Orleans.
Griffin elaborates on the mechanical nature of NBA economics: "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."
Performance and Injuries
On the court, Ingram's performance has seen fluctuations. He began his tenure with the Pelicans by attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game, making an impressive 42% of them. However, these attempts have steadily declined each year. Adding to the challenges, Ingram hyperextended his left knee a few weeks before the end of the last regular season, impacting his play.
"Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin said, reflecting on the multiple burdens Ingram has had to bear.
Roster Changes and Future Outlook
The Pelicans' roster saw significant changes recently. They acquired Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, a move expected to bolster their backcourt. However, this came at a cost as they let go of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and lost Larry Nance Jr. in the Murray trade. To fortify their frontcourt depth, the Pelicans are relying on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Griffin acknowledged the shifts, stating, "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."
Balancing Strengths and Needs
Despite the roster adjustments and financial constraints, Griffin remains optimistic about the team's prospects. "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," he said.
The Pelicans’ approach reflects a strategic balancing act, keeping in mind both their immediate aspirations and longer-term fiscal prudence. Both the franchise and Ingram's camp continue to explore potential trade scenarios, weighing the benefits of a max extension with other teams.
With key players like Zion Williamson also grappling with injuries—Williamson suffered a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament—the Pelicans are navigating a precarious path. Nevertheless, their commitment to Ingram and the evolving dynamics within the team suggest a thoughtful and resilient approach to maintaining competitiveness in the NBA's demanding environment.