Players who entered the NBA in 2016 are now eligible for contract extensions. The likes of Ben Simmons, Malcolm Brogdon, Jamal Murray and Caris LeVert have all signed extensions with their respective teams while Brandon Ingram is still waiting on an offer from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ingram has displayed All-Star potential since his rookie year but didn’t play more than 60 games in either of his last two seasons, and that’s why he represents the New Orleans Pelicans’ most pressing contract dilemma.
For instance, Simmons also missed significant time in the previous two seasons, but the Sixers still offered him a five-year deal worth $169,650,000 million this summer. He will make a whopping $38,610,000 during the 2024-25 season. Murray also got a five-year $170 million deal contract extension.
The deadline for a player to sign a rookie extension is October 21. The Pelicans have to decide whether to give Ingram a new deal now or wait for him to become a restricted free agent. It is doubtful Ingram would take less than a four year, $100 million deal this summer, but in case he doesn’t get an offer, reaching the All-Star game would give him the leverage to ask for a max salary.
Prior to being shut down due to the blood clot in his shoulder, in his final 15 games last season,
Brandon Ingram averaged 23.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, while shooting a scorching 56.5% from the floor and 38% from downtown
Very interested to see how he plays w/ Pels
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) September 9, 2019
According to NBA2K ratings, Ingram is currently the 9th best small forward in the league. The 22-year-old is still developing as a player but should do well in Alvin Gentry’s offense. In his three years with the Los Lakers, Ingram averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
