The New Orleans Pelicans have made it abundantly clear: Brandon Ingram is a cornerstone of their plans, and his departure isn't in the cards—at least for now. As the 2024-25 season approaches, Ingram is set to earn a significant $36 million. Nevertheless, the lucrative contract extension he is eligible for, potentially worth up to $208 million over four years, remains unsigned.
Key factors in this decision revolve around the financial realities imposed by the NBA's new collective-bargaining agreement. Under the new terms, teams that exceed the first apron of $178.1 million face restrictions on taking back more salary than they send out in trades. Furthermore, those surpassing the second apron of $188.9 million can't aggregate multiple players' salaries. This places the Pelicans, and other teams, in a tricky financial situation.
A Complex Relationship
Pelicans' executive VP of basketball operations, David Griffin, shed light on the situation with candidness, reflecting on both the financial and relational aspects. "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 explained. His remarks underscore the delicate balance the Pelicans must maintain between player retention and financial prudence.
Griffin further highlighted the disparities between different markets in the NBA. "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 stated. This acknowledgment speaks to the inherent challenges faced by teams like the Pelicans, who must navigate their financial landscape with greater caution.
Brandon Ingram's Evolution
Since joining the Pelicans, Ingram has showcased his evolving skill set, particularly in his proficiency with catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. In his early days with the team, he attempted 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game, converting an impressive 42% of those attempts. However, these attempts have steadily declined, a trend that raises questions about the team's offensive strategies and Ingram's role within them.
Ingram's resilience has been tested by injuries, most notably hyperextending his left knee shortly before the conclusion of the last regular season. Concurrently, the team faced additional hurdles, including Zion Williamson's season-ending injury during the play-in tournament.
Roster Changes and New Dynamics
The Pelicans have also been active in reshaping their roster. They made a significant move by acquiring Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, a transaction that saw Larry Nance Jr. part ways with the team. Additionally, they decided not to retain Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, signaling a shift in their frontcourt composition. To fill the void, the Pelicans are relying on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to strengthen their frontcourt depth.
Griffin candidly touched on these strategic moves. "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." His words indicate a strategic pivot, suggesting that the Pelicans are likely to embrace a more versatile and speed-oriented style of play.
Despite the roster churn and contractual uncertainties, Griffin remains optimistic about the team's inherent 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 remarked. This sentiment reflects a belief in the team's core capabilities and a commitment to leveraging them effectively.
In summary, while the Pelicans' financial landscape imposes certain constraints, the team's commitment to Brandon Ingram remains steadfast. The coming seasons will test the balance between financial strategy and on-court performance, but the organization's dedication to fostering a competitive and cohesive unit is evident. With strategic roster adjustments and a focus on leveraging their strengths, the Pelicans aim to navigate the complexities of the NBA's evolving landscape.