The New Orleans Pelicans have firmly stated their commitment to keeping Brandon Ingram on their roster, despite recent uncertainties and strategic decisions around his contract. As the 2024-25 season approaches, Ingram is set to earn a substantial $36 million, yet the Pelicans have chosen not to offer him a contract extension that could be worth up to $208 million over four years.
Ingram's position with the team remains crucial, both on and off the court. This has been particularly emphasized by David Griffin, the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Pelicans. Griffin has been clear about the mutual desire for Ingram to continue his journey with the team: "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. At the same time, there is a financial reality to this... we’re committed to each other."
Financial Realities and Market Limitations
The Pelicans, unlike some larger market teams, face challenging financial constraints under the new collective-bargaining agreement. This agreement imposes restrictions on teams whose payroll exceeds certain thresholds, making it difficult to take back more salary than they send out. Teams exceeding the first apron of $178.1 million and the second apron of $188.9 million face additional limitations, such as an inability to aggregate multiple players' salaries in trades.
Griffin acknowledged this complexity, emphasizing the difficulties faced by smaller market teams. "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 said. The challenge is further compounded when large financial commitments loom: "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."
Past Performance and Injuries
Brandon Ingram's value to the Pelicans is undeniable. During his early tenure with the team, he was a prolific shooter, attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game and making an impressive 42% of them. However, these attempts have seen a steady decline over the years. Injuries have also played a pivotal role in the Pelicans' recent struggles. Ingram himself hyperextended his left knee shortly before the end of the last regular season, while Zion Williamson faced a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament.
Despite these setbacks, the Pelicans are looking ahead with strategic moves aimed at fortifying their roster. They recently acquired Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, but this move came at the cost of losing Larry Nance Jr. Jonas Valanciunas, another key player, was let go in free agency. To address the resulting gap in their frontcourt, the Pelicans are placing their bets on a blend of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to provide the needed depth.
Future Directions and Team Philosophy
The departure of key players and the introduction of new talent marks a significant shift in the Pelicans' strategy. Griffin articulated the difficult situation that Ingram found himself in, particularly when he was expected to carry the team during a challenging period. "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin remarked, highlighting the tough expectations placed on the young star.
In navigating these complexities, Griffin underscored the need for careful decision-making and a unique 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." This commitment to a small-ball strategy reflects the Pelicans' willingness to adapt and innovate, leveraging their existing strengths while addressing gaps in their roster.
Griffin remains optimistic about the team's prospects despite the challenges: "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." With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the Pelicans are poised to navigate the upcoming season with a renewed focus and strategic depth.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Pelicans manage their roster's financial dynamics and on-court chemistry. Ingram's role will undoubtedly be central to their success, as the team seeks to balance their financial constraints with their aspirations for competitive excellence.