In 2023-24, the New Orleans Pelicans completed the season 49-33. That was adequate for a playoff berth and the Pelicans matched up with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Regardless of their finest efforts, New Orleans was swept within the opening spherical. The second time that’s occurred within the final three seasons.
This offseason, beginning middle Jonas Valanciunas left the Pelicans and signed with the Wizards. He won’t be the one starter from 2023-24 who gained’t be with the crew this fall. Courting again to the commerce deadline final season, the crew was open to transferring SF Brandon Ingram. The veteran desires a brand new contract and the crew is just not prepared to offer him the numbers he’s asking for. Not too long ago, the Pelicans gamers held a week-long voluntary minicamp in California. Brandon Ingram and Daniel Theis have been the one two gamers to not attend. Theis solely signed with the crew originally of July. Ingram’s teammates anticipated he could be on the minicamp however he by no means attended.
Is Brandon Ingram’s time with the Pelicans over?
Brandon Ingram didn’t attend a week-long voluntary minicamp held by the Pelicans gamers in California, per @WillGuillory
The minicamp featured each participant on the roster besides Ingram and up to date signee Daniel Theis.
The Pelicans believed Ingram could be there, however he by no means… pic.twitter.com/7bxRLlpWPl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 5, 2024
Will Guillory of The Athletic reported that Brandon Ingram didn’t attend the minicamp held by Pelcians gamers in California. The minicamp was held earlier this summer time and Ingram had cryptic messages on-line when it was happening. Ingram posted a video of a pastor delivering a sermon about “staying away from environments the place individuals don’t know the true worth of you.” This publish by Ingram was intentional and it makes his scenario with the crew in 2024-25 much more murky.
The 2024-25 season might be Ingram’s sixth with the crew and the ultimate yr of his $158.2 million contract. Sources have reported that Ingram desires a four-year, max extension value $210 million. New Orleans has made it clear that they’re not prepared to offer Ingram that sort of contract. Therefore the explanation why Ingram didn’t report back to minicamp and his standing with the crew is unknown. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Pelicans have explored trades to attempt to transfer Ingram. Nonetheless, no crew is prepared to signal and commerce for Ingram on the contract he’s demanding. Robust selections need to be made in New Orleans relating to the way forward for Brandon Ingram.
