The New Orleans Pelicans have decisively signaled where their loyalty lies: Brandon Ingram is staying put, at least for the foreseeable future. David Griffin, the Pelicans' Executive Vice President, has echoed this sentiment on multiple fronts, emphasizing that both the team and Ingram have a shared commitment to one another.
A Complex Financial Landscape
Set to earn $36 million in the 2024-25 season, Brandon Ingram is also eligible for a lucrative contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years. Despite this, the Pelicans have refrained from putting this offer on the table just yet. Griffin pointed out the fiscal realities, particularly within a small market team like New Orleans. "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," Griffin candidly stated.
The new collective-bargaining agreement introduces additional financial intricacies. Specifically, clubs whose payroll surpasses the first apron of $178.1 million face restrictions on taking back more salary than they send out. Teams exceeding the second apron of $188.9 million can't combine multiple players' salaries in trades. These financial mechanics make the Pelicans' strategy all the more complicated.
Challenges and Transitions
Ingram's tenure with the Pelicans began with a flourish; he attempted 4.2 catch-and-shoot three-pointers per game and made an impressive 42% of them. However, these attempts have steadily declined each year, signaling a shift in his role or perhaps an adaptation to new team dynamics. Griffin acknowledged the challenges Ingram has faced, saying, "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon."
Adding to the team's woes, Ingram hyperextended his left knee a few weeks before the end of last regular season, while Zion Williamson suffered a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament. These key injuries have undeniably impacted the Pelicans' performance and strategy.
Roster Adjustments
This off-season has seen significant changes for the Pelicans. They acquired Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks but at the cost of losing Larry Nance Jr. in the trade. The frontcourt also underwent a revamp as Jonas Valanciunas departed in free agency. The Pelicans are now banking on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to bolster their frontcourt depth.
Griffin weighed in on the team's approach: "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." This statement signals a possible strategic pivot for the Pelicans, leaning into their existing strengths and navigating their limitations creatively.
Outlook and Optimism
Despite the complicated financial landscape and the recent upheavals in the roster, both the Pelicans and Ingram's camp have been exploring potential trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams. However, Griffin's comments reinforce the idea that the Pelicans are committed to finding a balanced, financially feasible approach that keeps Ingram in New Orleans. "When you don't have to pay them, you want all of them. And then when you actually have to hand them $50 million a year, mechanically, it gets complicated," Griffin added.
While some may view the Pelicans' current situation as precarious, the organization remains optimistic. Griffin puts it aptly, "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." The emphasis on careful financial management, coupled with strategic roster adjustments, reflects a team that is not just thinking about the present but also planning for sustainable success in the long term.
In sum, the Pelicans are navigating a nuanced landscape, balancing their commitment to key players like Brandon Ingram with financial realities and strategic shifts. It remains to be seen how these decisions will play out on the court, but one thing is clear: The Pelicans are committed to charting a unique path forward.