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 may not be the one starter from 2023-24 who gained’t be with the workforce this fall. Relationship again to the commerce deadline final season, the workforce was open to shifting SF Brandon Ingram. The veteran needs a brand new contract and the workforce will not be prepared to present him the numbers he’s asking for. Just lately, the Pelicans gamers held a week-long voluntary minicamp in California. Brandon Ingram and Daniel Theis had been the one two gamers to not attend. Theis solely signed with the workforce 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 submit by Ingram was intentional and it makes his scenario with the workforce in 2024-25 much more murky.
The 2024-25 season might be Ingram’s sixth with the workforce and the ultimate yr of his $158.2 million contract. Sources have reported that Ingram needs a four-year, max extension value $210 million. New Orleans has made it clear that they’re not prepared to present Ingram that kind of contract. Therefore the explanation why Ingram didn’t report back to minicamp and his standing with the workforce is unknown. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Pelicans have explored trades to attempt to transfer Ingram. Nevertheless, no workforce is prepared to signal and commerce for Ingram on the contract he’s demanding. Robust selections should be made in New Orleans concerning the way forward for Brandon Ingram.
