The NBA trade deadline came and went for the Toronto Raptors and their big move was to trade for Brandon Ingram.
With rumblings of this move happening, Toronto finally decided to trade for Ingram. This moves comes with a bit of a risk as the Raptors need to be the team to pay his next contract.
That is what caused opposing teams to not trade for the 27-year-old because having to pay him max or near max money plus his injury concerns was worrisome.
However, that meant the New Orleans Pelicans were not going to get a ton of valuable assets in return. Which, Toronto took advantage of by only giving up one first-round pick, via the Indiana Pacers.
The now former Pelican wasted no time to join the Raptors in Oklahoma City before their game against the Thunder. Despite being sidelined with an ankle, Ingram shared his thoughts on this new opportunity, via Michael Grange of Sportsnet:
“I was happy about it, it’s a change for me, being in New Orleans five and a half years, it’s definitely a change for me,” he said in a volume just over a whisper that befits his general calmness. “A change of scenery can be sometimes good and I thought it was a chance for me to get out of my element, do something different. … it definitely a fresh start. Some new faces, new talent around and I’m excited to bring some new positive energy.”
All things considered, bringing in Ingram provides an intriguing skillset to pair alongside Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. It is a wing’s league nowadays with teams wanting two-way wings.
Hopefully, the 6’8″ forward is able to suit up a considerable amount for the Raptors before the season is over. With that, the Raptors can then gauge whether Ingram is worth keeping around long-term.
Although acquiring Brandon Ingram on a discount is a risk worth taking for the Raptors, his next contract looms.
However, general manager Bobby Webster revealed the team’s plans moving forward following the acquisition of Ingram.
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