Is New Orleans Pelicans Star Forward In Their Future?

The New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram is again a subject of conversation around NBA trade scenarios and contract conversations. Entering his last year on his current contract with the Pelicans, Ingram has yet to be extended or moved. Will he finish it as a Pelican? Or will Ingram be traded?

Is New Orleans Pelicans Star Forward In Their Future?

Pelicans’ Star Forward & Trade Rumors

The New Orleans Pelicans future is possibly on the line right now. Star forward and 2017-18 All-Rookie member Ingram is a hot topic of conversation right now. Ingram has found himself amongst trade talks throughout much of the off-season. However, no real traction has picked up, and those trade talks remained simple rumors and hypotheticals.

As the NBA season looms closer and training camps kick off this month, the Pelicans star forward is entering the final year of his contract. Judging by all the noise this summer, the chances that Ingram is moved at some point during this 2024-25 NBA season could turn out to be very likely.

Market Issues & Jamal Murray Comps

One possible reason Ingram has yet to be traded is the lack of market. Still young at 27, the Pelicans star forward is in his prime. While not considered an all-around elite player, he is considered an excellent scorer. Yet, injuries and on-court shortcomings with Zion Williamson have set back the Pelicans in the last few years, resulting in a young and talented team missing out on their potential.

Ingram’s situation was discussed by Bobby Marks and Zach Lowe—both are NBA analysts for ESPN—on the “Lowe Podcast” this week.

“In different circumstances, [Brandon Ingram] probably is a max player. But what’s the market for him?” Marks said and continued, “I think if you’re Brandon Ingram you’re looking at what Jamal Murray just got and you’re thinking wait a minute. 4 [year] for $208, that’s my number. Why am I not getting that number here?”

This is true. If Jamal Murray can fetch that number, surely Ingram can also. At the very least, a number within the same range. Ingram has averaged more points (19.4) than Murray (17.5) in his career, with a higher FG percentage—46.8% to Murray’s 45.2%. Murray has the edge in assists, though—4.5 to Ingram’s 4.3 assists.

While he has yet to experience Murray’s accolades and success, Ingram has shown to be the more productive player, at least in the regular season. Ingram is also the more threatening scorer, while Murray’s strengths lie in point guard play and passing abilities.

Brandon Ingram’s Future Undetermined

The tandem of Williamson and Ingram hasn’t fleshed out successfully. If the Pelicans have grand designs to build around Zion, accumulating a great return via trade might be the best path forward for Pelicans franchise. It might also be the best thing for Zion. Williamson’s physical transformation over the summer could foreshadow what to expect on the court from Zion this season. New Orleans could use this opportunity as a “start again” scenario with a new and improved Williamson.

Ingram could also benefit from a change in scenery. He is in a prime position to be a good second or third option on a handful of other teams. The question is, what is the dollar amount Ingram will seek for his next contract? Also, which teams would be willing to take him on? Considering he’s in the last year of his current deal if a mid-season trade does occur. Either way, Ingram is a fantastic player and has much to offer. Whether it will be in New Orleans or elsewhere, it’s a wait-and-see game.