Now is the perfect time for the Pelicans to trade Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram is entering the final year of his current contract. He is extension eligible. The maximum contract he could sign with the New Orleans Pelicans would be worth $208M over four years, or around $52M annually. 

Christian Clark of NOLA.com has reported that the Pelicans do not wish to pay Ingram such a hefty sum.

"Ingram has one year remaining on his contract. On July 6, he becomes eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $208M," Clark reported. "The Pelicans value Ingram’s talent and his down-to-earth personality, but as The Times-Picayune reported in May, the team does not have a willingness to pay him a contract worth $52M in average annual value."

New Orleans could sign Ingram to a contract below his maximum value. However, he will likely believe another team around the league would be willing to get closer to the top end of his maximum salary. As such, the Pelicans have two choices: either risk losing him in free agency in 2025 or trade him now to get some assets back in return. 

Trading Ingram would make sense. New Orleans will undoubtedly want to retool its roster around Zion Williamson. Ingram's fit next to the powerhouse forward is questionable at best. Furthermore, Ingram's struggles during the postseason and consistent injury issues are reasons to look for options elsewhere. Since joining the Pelicans, he's played in less than 65 regular-season games each year. 

Ingram hasn't made an All-Star team since his first year in New Orleans. His expiring contract will likely make him an enticing prospect on the trade market. Now would be the perfect time to part ways with the Pelicans. The partnership has paid dividends for both parties. Ingram has improved as a player, and his presence helped keep the Pelicans relevant while Williamson was out with injuries. 

If Ingram can net New Orleans a young talent or two along with future draft picks, his time there should be looked upon fondly. This won't be a nasty split. It's just that their time together has run its course. Both sides would benefit from a trade during the offseason.

Seeing what teams emerge as suitors will be interesting to watch unfold.