The New Orleans Pelicans have made a definitive statement regarding their future with star player Brandon Ingram, making it evident that the franchise isn't looking to part ways with him anytime soon. Despite the lucrative contract extension available to Ingram, the Pelicans have chosen to hold off, perhaps hinting at the delicate financial balance they are attempting to maintain.
Brandon Ingram is slated to earn a substantial $36 million in the 2024-25 season. He stands eligible for an extension worth as much as $208 million over four years. However, this extension remains off the table for now. Team president David Griffin underscores the complexity behind this decision: "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."
Financial constraints are at the heart of the Pelicans' cautious approach. The new collective-bargaining agreement imposes restrictions on taking back more salary than teams send out if their payroll surpasses the first apron of $178.1 million. For teams over the second apron of $188.9 million, aggregating multiple players' salaries in a trade is prohibited. "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," Griffin pointedly remarked.
Moreover, the dynamics on the court have seen shifts that could be affecting these calculations. Ingram, who once added significant firepower by attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game at an impressive 42% shooting percentage, has seen a decline in these attempts each year. Recently, he also grappled with a hyperextended left knee, while Zion Williamson's season-ending injury during the play-in tournament further exacerbated the Pelicans' challenges.
Despite these hurdles, the Pelicans have not stood idly by. An ambitious trade saw them acquire Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, a move that also led to the departures of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and Larry Nance Jr. as part of the trade package. To address their frontcourt depth, the Pelicans are now leaning on the efforts of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
"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," Griffin commented. His statements underline the strategic shifts the team is making in response to their evolving roster and financial circumstances. "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."
Both the Pelicans and Ingram's camp have reportedly looked into potential trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams. However, the desire for both parties to continue their partnership has kept such discussions at bay, at least for the time being. "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin reflected on the previous season's tribulations.
The Pelicans' decision-making is nuanced by their context within the broader league landscape. Griffin noted, "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 realistic yet optimistic assessment suggests that the front office is focused on maximizing current assets while maintaining financial prudence.
The road ahead for the Pelicans and Brandon Ingram remains a narrative of cautious ambition. The possibility of a lucrative extension for Ingram looms large, yet measured steps reflect the team's dedication to a sustainable and strategically astute future. For now, both parties seem aligned in their commitment to one another, navigating the complexities of NBA finances and performance together.