The New Orleans Pelicans have unequivocally declared their commitment to star forward Brandon Ingram, emphasizing that he is a central piece of their future plans. Despite the lucrative opportunities available to him, a contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years, the Pelicans have decided to hold off on such an offer for the time being. This decision underscores the financial prudence necessary in the current NBA landscape.
David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, shed light on the financial dynamics at play. "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," Griffin stated. His comments reflect a mutual desire to continue the partnership while acknowledging the complexities of NBA economics.
Ingram’s substantial $36 million salary for the 2024-25 season is a testament to his value, yet it also puts the Pelicans in a precarious position. With the new collective-bargaining agreement stipulating stringent salary cap implications, teams exceeding the first apron of $178.1 million face restrictions on acquiring additional salary. Moreover, those over the second apron of $188.9 million cannot aggregate players' salaries in trades, further complicating high-dollar transactions.
The Pelicans have reportedly explored trade scenarios involving Ingram and a max extension with other teams. Yet, Griffin remains pragmatic about the situation. "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, highlighting the inherent challenges smaller markets face in retaining marquee players.
Ingram’s Journey and Performance
Brandon Ingram's journey with the Pelicans has seen its ups and downs. He started his tenure with an impressive shooting performance, attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game and making 42% of them. However, these attempts have steadily declined each year, a concerning trend for the team’s offensive strategy. Adding to the uncertainty, Ingram hyperextended his left knee a few weeks before the end of the last regular season, further highlighting the physical toll of the NBA schedule.
The Pelicans have faced challenges beyond Ingram’s performance. Zion Williamson's season-ending injury during the play-in tournament was a significant blow to the team's aspirations. Despite these setbacks, the Pelicans made a bold move by acquiring Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. However, this acquisition came at a cost, as they let go of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and lost Larry Nance Jr. in the Murray trade.
Rethinking the Roster
With the recent departures, the Pelicans are now banking on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to bolster their frontcourt depth. Griffin pointed out the necessity of such decisions, mentioning, "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."
The Pelicans' strategy appears to be shifting towards a more versatile and potentially smaller lineup. Griffin voiced this sentiment clearly, stating, "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 tactical pivot might be essential given the financial constraints and the injury histories of their star players.
Despite the challenges, Griffin remains optimistic about the team's strengths. "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," he noted. The Pelicans' management is evidently focused on leveraging their existing assets while navigating the intricate salary cap landscape.
As the Pelicans balance their commitment to Brandon Ingram with the fiscal realities of the NBA, the next steps will be crucial in shaping their future. While holding off on the extension, evaluating trade scenarios, and reconfiguring the roster, the Pelicans are clearly positioning themselves to stay competitive and adaptable in an ever-evolving league.