In a whirlwind of NBA trade activity, the New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant move by trading forward Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors. This trade came hot on the heels of another major deal that saw Jimmy Butler heading to the Golden State Warriors. The 27-year-old Ingram, who started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, has spent the last few seasons with the Pelicans after being part of a trade that sent him to New Orleans in exchange for Anthony Davis in 2019.
Brandon Ingram has been a key player for the Pelicans, but unfortunately, he now finds himself moving from one struggling team to another. The Pelicans have been facing challenges on the court with a record of 12-39, while the Raptors are not faring much better at 16-35. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Toronto as they sit just 5.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls in the race for a playoff spot, compared to New Orleans, who are 14 games behind the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference standings.
The trade details between the Pelicans and the Raptors, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, include the Pelicans receiving forward Bruce Brown Jr., forward Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick in exchange for Brandon Ingram heading to the Raptors.
As Ingram embarks on this new chapter in his career, it’s worth noting that he is in the final year of his five-year, $158,253,000 contract that he signed prior to the 2020-2021 season. This contract is fully guaranteed, giving the Raptors the option to extend his stay beyond this season rather than having him as a short-term rental.
On the court, Brandon Ingram has been a consistent performer, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in the 2024-2025 season. Over his career, he has maintained averages of 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. With strong shooting percentages and a well-rounded game, Ingram brings a valuable skill set to the Raptors as they look to improve their standing in the league.
Teddy Ricketson, a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News, has been closely following the NBA trade deadline action. With a passion for sports and a particular affinity for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Braves, Ricketson brings a unique perspective to the world of professional basketball trades. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs, bringing a personal touch to his sports coverage.
As Brandon Ingram settles into his new role with the Toronto Raptors, fans will be watching closely to see how he integrates into the team and helps them push towards a playoff berth. The NBA trade deadline may have brought surprises, but for Ingram and the Raptors, it marks a new beginning filled with potential and possibilities on the court.
