New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has been part of multiple trade rumors and mock trades from analysts, and a new insider report suggested that a trade of him out of New Orleans is certain at this point, with his destination the only thing left in question.
ESPN insider and analyst Bobby Marks said that a Brandon Ingram trade is no longer a question of if, but more of a where.
“One player we haven’t talked about at all, because he’s been injured, is Brandon Ingram in New Orleans. Here’s a player on an expiring contract, both sides have not been able to reach an extension here,” Marks said. “I would certainly circle Ingram. He’s on the market right now, but as far as being traded by next Thursday. I will say this, New Orleans 100% is going to make a trade.
Bobby Marks says the Pelicans will “100%” make a trade pic.twitter.com/DMyKJcAjKm
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) January 30, 2025
Having previously been part of the high-profile trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram is no stranger to being hooked up in trade rumors, particularly now that the NBA trade deadline is coming soon. In his debut season with the Pelicans, he was recognized as the NBA’s Most Improved Player and earned his first and only All-Star selection.
Following this breakout performance, Brandon Ingram secured a five-year, $158.25 million contract extension with the Pelicans.
One of the biggest rumors lately when it comes to the new home of Brandon Ingram is the Toronto Raptors. NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Raptors as a team “to watch” as they are allegedly keeping a close eye on acquiring Ingram from the Pelicans.
“While the Heat have undoubtedly intensified their efforts to bring an end to the contentious Butler saga by finding a deal before the Feb. 6 trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET, I’m told Toronto has emerged as a team to watch when it comes to Ingram,” Stein wrote.
According to the insider, their eye on Ingram is part of the Raptors’ attempt to come back to relevancy in the league.
“Word is that Toronto is involved in a number of conversations as the trade deadline approaches, fully immersed in the search for players and opportunities that can position the franchise to rediscover relevancy while assessing all of their options with the trade-friendly contracts possessed by Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher and Davion Mitchell,” Stein added.
So far this season, Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.7 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
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