The New Orleans Pelicans have made their stance clear regarding star forward Brandon Ingram. Despite various speculations, the team is holding onto Ingram, who is set to earn a hefty $36 million in the 2024-25 season. This decision comes amidst a complex financial landscape shaped by the NBA's new collective-bargaining agreement and the restrictions it places on team payrolls.
Under the new agreement, teams that exceed the salary cap's first apron of $178.1 million face restrictions on taking back more salary than they send out in trades. For those above the second apron of $188.9 million, the rules tighten even further, prohibiting the aggregation of multiple players' salaries in a trade. This financial reality is something Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, is acutely aware of.
"I think from a relationship standpoint, we've been really clear we'd prefer Brandon stays with us, and Brandon's been pretty clear he prefers to stay with us," Griffin noted. "At the same time, there is a financial reality to this... we’re committed to each other."
Leverage and Financial Realities
Though Ingram is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years, the Pelicans have opted not to offer this lucrative extension just yet. Griffin highlighted the unique challenges smaller market teams face, compared to their larger counterparts. "In some markets, you don't have to make any decisions: You get a max, and you get a max, and you get a max, and you hoard talent. We're not that market," he stated.
The complexity of handing out substantial contracts is not lost on the Pelicans' front office. "When you don't have to pay them, you want all of them. And then when you actually have to hand them $50 million a year, mechanically, it gets complicated," Griffin explained. The team, despite its desire to retain top talent, has to navigate a maze of financial constraints to remain competitive.
Player Dynamics and Team Strategy
Ingram's journey with the Pelicans has seen its highs and lows. Starting his tenure by attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game and making 42% of them, Ingram appeared to be an instant fit. However, those attempts have steadily declined each year, raising questions about his evolving role within the team.
Adding to the complexity was Ingram hyperextending his left knee just a few weeks before the end of the last regular season. This injury was compounded by Zion Williamson's season-ending injury during the play-in tournament, raising concerns about the Pelicans' stability and future prospects.
"Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin acknowledged. Despite the setbacks, the Pelicans have looked to reshape their roster, bringing in Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks in a substantial trade while letting go of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency. The team also lost Larry Nance Jr. in the Murray trade, further reshuffling their frontcourt.
Building the New Pelicans
In their search for depth, the Pelicans are counting on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to strengthen their frontcourt. As the team's strategy evolves, Griffin hinted at an unconventional approach. "So we gotta make choices, right?... we’re going to have to do this in a really unique way. And I think we’re pretty committed to playing small," he said.
The team's philosophy extends beyond merely filling gaps. "I understand that everybody looks at the situation and goes, 'They’re missing this, they’re missing that,' but we also have a lot of strengths that we want to lean into," Griffin emphasized. It's clear the Pelicans are looking to leverage their existing capabilities while navigating the intricacies of salary caps and player extensions.
For now, Brandon Ingram remains a cornerstone of the Pelicans' plans. While the financial complexities of the NBA's new normal present challenges, both the team and Ingram's camp have explored various trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams. However, the mutual commitment to each other appears strong, setting the stage for what could be a defining season for Ingram and the Pelicans.