The New Orleans Pelicans managed to convince the Toronto Raptors to part with Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-rounder in exchange for veteran star—after extension talks between him and New Orleans fell through. With top star set to leave, former executive David Griffin, who has since been dismissed, pulled off an impressive move by getting solid value for a player on an expiring deal.
Toronto wasted little time, quickly agreeing to a three-year, \$120 million extension with him—signaling their belief in his value and dismissing any concerns about an overpay. However, New Orleans had years of evidence suggesting otherwise. His six-season run with the Pelicans produced just two playoff appearances and no series wins, a clear indication he wasn’t the franchise’s long-term solution.
Unfortunately for the Raptors, things quickly unraveled. Ingram appeared in only 18 games this season and never suited up in a Raptors jersey. His last game came on December 7 before a significant ankle injury sidelined him—another entry in a growing list of durability concerns.
The deal now looks like a major gamble for Toronto, especially given Ingram’s track record of injuries and limited postseason impact. While the Raptors bet big on his All-Star potential, the early returns are troubling.
Brandon Ingram struggles to stay on the floor
Brandon Ingram played 79 games during his rookie year with the Lakers in 2017, but he hasn’t come close to that mark since. His next-best total was 64 games in 2024, and he’s played fewer than 60 games in five of the last eight seasons. Over the past three years, he’s averaged just 42.3 games per season—a concerning figure for a player earning \$40 million annually.
There’s no denying Ingram’s talent as a scorer and playmaker—he delivers when he’s on the court. However, his frequent absences have a clear impact. In the past four seasons, the Pelicans posted a 95–87 record with Ingram in the lineup, but slumped to 53–93 without him. Had he stayed healthy, New Orleans likely would’ve remained in the Play-In hunt. Instead, they ended the season with the league’s fourth-worst record.
Pelicans were letting Brandon Ingram go either way
Pelicans fans should view this trade as a major win. Brandon Ingram had no plans to return to New Orleans for the 2025–26 season, so landing two role players—including the dependable Kelly Olynyk—and two draft picks in exchange is a strong return. Olynyk is already under contract for next season and brings solid value as a rotation big, while the Pelicans also picked up the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick and a future second-rounder that could serve as a useful trade asset.
For a player on an expiring deal, that’s a respectable haul. The true value of the deal will depend on how New Orleans uses that first-round pick—whether through the draft or in a future trade—but the front office deserves recognition for extracting value in a difficult situation. With Ingram sidelined for the season and his trade market uncertain due to his hefty contract, the Pelicans still found a willing partner and came away with assets.
The franchise is entering a transitional phase. With Joe Dumars now steering the front office, the Pelicans are aiming to retool and reenter the playoff mix. That won’t happen overnight and will likely require several more savvy moves like this one—but it’s a start.
Much hinges on their upcoming lottery position and how Dumars reshapes the roster. While the road back to contention is far from certain, there’s a clear sense that change is underway in New Orleans. Whether that change delivers real progress remains to be seen.