Dec 5, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) reacts to making a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Executives Around NBA Call Out 'Desperate' Brandon Ingram Trade to Raptors

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 6:13 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans had one of their best seasons in franchise history during the 2023-24 season, winning 49 games but having their year come to an end in the first round against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, they weren't able to build upon that in the following year, instead having one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

As a result, with his contract expiring and already having Trey Murphy III emerging behind him on the depth chart, the Pelicans decided to trade away All-Star forward Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline to the Toronto Raptors. Ingram avoided free agency, signing a three-year, $120 million deal with Toronto.

New Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram has agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the franchise, including a player option in 2027-28, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, agents Shy Saee and Mike George told me and @BobbyMarks42. pic.twitter.com/rN9D2qZW1c
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2025

At the time, the move seemed like a good deal for Toronto, trading away Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk, along with a 2026 1st rounder, which New Orleans ended up trading away this offseason. However, the move isn't being perceived as well by front office executives, with a new report labeling it as 'desperate' by Toronto.

According to a report by TSN's Josh Lewenberg, one of the candidates who interviewed for the Raptors' president position referred to the deal for Ingram as a "desperate Hail Mary."

Why The Ingram Deal Is Questionable For Toronto?

External candidates for the Raptors GM position pushed back on the moves Masai Ujiri made, per @JLew1050

“One of them went as far as calling the Brandon Ingram trade a desperate hail mary.” pic.twitter.com/4mpk0awkfj
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 19, 2025

If the construction of Toronto's roster were different, there's no doubt that the Ingram deal would be viewed in a different light. However, the fact of the matter can't be ignored that Toronto is spending just over $104 million in cap space next season on three wing players (Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett).

While all three of those players are talented in their own right, it doesn't seem realistic that all three of them can play winning basketball if they play a significant amount of time together on the court. Given that Barnes is locked up through the 2029-30 season and Ingram was recently paid, Barrett might be the odd man out in this situation.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones has agreed to a three-year, $68 million contract extension with the franchise, Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports told ESPN. Jones now has a total five years and $97M on his Pelicans deal – with player option in 2029-30. pic.twitter.com/qXTvYT7Rym
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025

As mentioned earlier, the Pelicans really didn't have any room for Ingram anymore, and that's further proven by their recent extension of Herb Jones this offseason to go along with Murphy III's rise in play. Ingram is a fine player, but the reality is his best fit is likely not in Toronto, and the Raptors likely could've benefited more from making a deal for a position of need instead.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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