Brandon Ingram must expand game if he wants a max contract

Despite being a high-level scoring wing, Ingram has failed to incorporate the three-point shot into his skillset. He's a career 36.2% shooter from the perimeter and takes just 3.7 threes per game. Instead, Ingram prefers to live in the mid-range and get downhill toward the rim. In the modern NBA, high-usage wings must be capable of punishing teams from deep. 

Ingram needs to improve his trade value in the coming months. The best way to do that is by proving he can become a 38-41% shooter from three-point range. He would instantly command more respect from opposing defenses and provide the spacing teams crave. Furthermore, Ingram would likely find more accessible routes to the basket or more space to attack in the mid-range as defenders push up to take away his three-point jumper.

New Orleans must remain patient and encourage Ingram to expand his game. If he buys into developing his offensive approach, teams around the league will likely start testing the waters on a potential trade. 

However, the longer Ingram dithers on becoming a perimeter-based wing, the more the Pelicans risk losing him for nothing next summer, which would be a disaster for the franchise.