(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Brandon Ingram’s time with the New Orleans Pelicans may be coming to an end soon.
There have been many rumors swirling around Ingram and the Pelicans for some time but an official decision about their future might be made in the weeks ahead.
According to Christian Clark, via NBACentral, the Pelicans are “unwilling” to pay Ingram an average of $52 million annually.
Ingram has just one year left on his contract but is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million extension in July.
According to this report, the Pelicans aren’t willing to make that deal happen so Ingram will be moving to another team.
The New Orleans Pelicans are unwilling to pay Brandon Ingram an average of $52 million annually, per @cclark_13
“Brandon Ingram has one year remaining on his contract. On July 6, he becomes eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $208 million. The Pelicans value Ingram’s… pic.twitter.com/LrG46jQjPl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2024
Anyone who has been paying attention to the Pelicans over the last few years will not be surprised by this news.
Everyone knew that the Pelicans had a choice to make: do they stick with Zion Williamson or do they throw their support behind Ingram?
They simply didn’t have enough money to afford both players so a decision has to be made.
Up until last summer, it seemed like they could part ways with Williamson and hand Ingram the keys to the franchise.
But then Williamson came back healthy, played well throughout the season, and reminded everyone why he’s such a special player.
Ingram performed well too, of course, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, but that wasn’t enough to convince New Orleans that he’s the leader they need.
There are a number of teams throughout the league that will be eager to sign Ingram.
At just 26 years old, he has shown that he’s the sort of quiet, driven, reliable player who can be a crucial part of a team’s roster.
He’s done great things for the Pelicans, especially during Williamson’s multiple absences, but it looks like it’s time for him to move on.
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