Brandon Ingram makes power move amid uncertain future

Brandon Ingram might be the best player available via trade ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. However, since the All-Star wing is on an expiring contract, the Pelicans have struggled to find him a new home. 

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Pelicans and Ingram — who reached a stalemate on extension talks last summer — have failed to strike a deal with a team willing to sign him to a new contract. Furthermore, the Pelicans — in the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history — are reportedly looking to cut down on their payroll rather than taking back surplus salary in exchange for Ingram. 

Amid the reports, Ingram has seemingly taken back control by signing with Klutch Sports Group as his new representation. The Rich Paul-led sports agency has done wonders for star clients such as De'Aaron Fox, Dejounte Murray and Anthony Davis, and even role players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Moses Moody and Derrick Jones Jr. Prior to the 2024-25 season, KCP (three years, $66 million), Moody (three years, $37.5 million) and Jones Jr. (three year, $30 million) all inked contracts higher than what they were projected to receive.

Furthermore, Klutch has previously ensured its marquee clients get moved to their desired destinations. Case in point: Davis landed with the Lakers in 2019 despite opposition from his previous franchise, the Pelicans. Similarly, Murray revealed in his introductory news conference that the seeds for him to be traded to New Orleans were planted months before the Hawks traded him there this offseason. 

Now, it's Ingram's turn to get where he wants to. And going by Klutch's history of making power moves, don't be surprised if the Duke alum finds a new home willing to back up the brink's truck for him.