The New Orleans Pelicans have made a definitive statement regarding their star player, Brandon Ingram: he's staying put, at least for now. Despite rumors and swirling speculation, the Pelicans have not offered Ingram a contract extension, even though he is eligible for a deal worth up to $208 million over four years.
Next season, Ingram is set to earn $36 million, a substantial sum reflecting his value to the franchise. However, financial realities within the NBA’s current collective-bargaining agreement (CBA) have significant implications. Under the new CBA, teams with payrolls exceeding $178.1 million encounter restrictions on taking back more salary than they send out in trades, while those over the second apron of $188.9 million cannot aggregate multiple players' salaries in a deal. This has led both the Pelicans and Ingram's camp to explore possible trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams.
A Complex Financial Landscape
David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Pelicans, has been candid about the financial constraints the team faces. "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," Griffin explained, emphasizing the mutual desire for continuance.
Griffin elaborated on the financial disparities that smaller-market teams like New Orleans face compared to their larger-market counterparts. "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 said, acknowledging the inherent challenges in maintaining a star-studded roster.
"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," he added. This reality paints a complex picture of the Pelicans' strategic decision-making process, balancing financial constraints with the desire to keep their talent.
Performance and Injury Woes
Brandon Ingram’s journey with the Pelicans has been marked by both highs and lows. He started his tenure impressively, attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers per game and making 42% of them. However, these attempts have decreased each year, reflecting a shift in his role and possibly team dynamics.
Moreover, Ingram’s health has been a concern. He hyperextended his left knee towards the end of the last regular season, adding to the team's injury woes. Zion Williamson, another cornerstone of the franchise, suffered a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament, further complicating the team's efforts to make a deep playoff run.
Roster Changes and Strategic Adjustments
In the offseason, the Pelicans made significant moves to reshape their roster. They acquired Dejounte Murray via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, a move that came at the cost of losing valuable contributors like Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and Larry Nance Jr. in the Murray trade. These changes underscore the Pelicans' commitment to bolstering their roster depth, particularly in the frontcourt, where they are reportedly counting on Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to provide reinforcement.
"Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin acknowledged, highlighting the increased pressure Ingram has faced. Despite these challenges, the team remains steadfast in its approach. "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 stated, indicating a strategic shift towards a smaller, more versatile lineup.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans are navigating through a period of significant flux, balancing financial constraints, injury challenges, and roster changes. Griffin remains cautiously optimistic. "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 remarked, emphasizing the potential and strengths within the current roster.
As the Pelicans prepare for the upcoming season, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Brandon Ingram and the team's ability to manage their financial realities while striving for competitive success. Whether Ingram ultimately signs a lucrative extension or explores opportunities elsewhere, the Pelicans' decisions in the coming months will surely shape the future trajectory of the franchise. For now, at least, Brandon Ingram remains a cornerstone of the New Orleans Pelicans.