New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram is facing an uncertain future as he enters the final season of his contract. Without an extension in place, the possibility of Ingram testing free agency looms large. It fueled trade rumors around the talented forward.
On Sunday, Ingram took a significant step by signing with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. His move came after parting ways with Excel Sports. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Pelicans are expected to make a definitive decision regarding Ingram’s future before the February trade deadline.
Charania also noted that while extension discussions are likely to take place closer to January, the ball is firmly in the Pelicans’ court. For his part, Ingram appears focused on being part of a competitive and successful team.
“Essentially where this is going to go is it’s going to end in a trade or extension. In the offseason, the two sides were not able to come to an agreement—Ingram and the Pelicans—on an extension. He has now changed agents. He is with Klutch Sports. And, we will know in the coming months before the NBA trade deadline in February where this will go,” Charania said.
“It is expected that extension conversations will occur at some point as we get closer and into January. But as of right now, I’m told Brandon Ingram wants to be a part of a winning, competitive environment,” he adde
Brandon Ingram Eyes Long-Term Future in New Orleans Amid Contract Talks
Brandon Ingram signed a five-year, $158 million max contract with the team in November 2020. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Ingram has expressed a desire to stay in New Orleans.
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“Brandon wants to stay here. At the same time, there is a financial reality that we all deal with,” the executive vice president David Griffin said, as per Charania.
The Pelicans have had a tough season with Ingram, holding a 4-18 record. They now sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. This season, Ingram is averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
