Pelicans must make decision on Brandon Ingram's future

Brandon Ingram has been the subject of trade rumors for the past 12 months. His expiring contract has only increased media interest in his future, yet New Orleans remains tight-lipped about its plans for the 27-year-old. 

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Pelicans will struggle to offer Ingram an extension that matches his current demands. A trade is a legitimate possibility ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Ingram also recently signed with Klutch Sports, which was seen as a power move from some within the NBA. 

"Ingram, for his part, made a seismic shift in recent weeks, signing with Klutch Sports Group for his new representation with agents Shy Saee, Mike George and CEO Rich Paul," Charania explained. "...Ingram's new representation will remain in constant dialogue with Griffin on the 27-year-old's future. Because of their financial situation, the Pelicans are unlikely to reach Ingram's current salary annually on an extension, making the trade route much more likely than a long-term deal, league sources said."

New Orleans must pick a lane. They either commit to Ingram long-term and double down on the Zion Williamson-led core or let him move to a new situation, potentially opening the door to a roster reset. It's unfair to keep Ingram stuck in limbo, waiting for free agency next summer, without knowing whether the franchise will attempt to keep him around. 

Ingram has played 18 games for the Pelicans this season. He's averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. He would be an impressive addition to a fringe contender, especially as a tertiary scoring option with some increased ball-handling duties. 

Sitting on the fence isn't helping the Pelicans. They've spent the past few years waiting for a fully healthy roster without proving themselves a genuine threat in the Western Conference. If they don't believe Ingram or the rest of the team can challenge for a conference finals berth, it's time to pull the plug.

There's still plenty of time until the trade deadline. Ingram likely hopes to emerge from that period with more clarity over what the future holds for him and his family, especially regarding where he'll call home for the next few years.