The New Orleans Pelicans have drawn a clear line in the sand regarding the future of their star player, Brandon Ingram. Despite persistent speculation and potential trade scenarios, the team insists that Ingram isn't likely to leave the Big Easy anytime soon. This sentiment is shared by David Griffin, the Pelicans' Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, who has emphasized the mutual desire for Ingram to remain with the Pelicans.
"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 said, encapsulating the delicate balance between loyalty and financial pragmatism.
Financial Constraints and Strategic Decisions
Ingram is set to earn $36 million in the 2024-25 season and is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $208 million over four years. However, the Pelicans have opted not to offer this lucrative extension just yet. Griffin's comments reflect the financial constraints impacting the team's decision-making processes. "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 remarked, highlighting the differences in team strategies across the league.
Complicating matters is the new collective-bargaining agreement, which imposes restrictions on taking back more salary than teams send out if their payroll exceeds the first apron of $178.1 million. Moreover, teams over the second apron of $188.9 million cannot aggregate multiple players' salaries in a trade. These financial restrictions are pivotal as the Pelicans navigate their salary cap and roster structuring.
Exploring Trade Scenarios and Catch-and-Shoot Decline
Both the Pelicans and Ingram's camp have explored potential trade scenarios involving a max extension with other teams. Yet, no significant movements have been reported thus far. Ingram’s on-court performance has also seen some evolution. He started his tenure with the Pelicans by attempting 4.2 catch-and-shoot 3s per game, making 42% of them. However, these attempts have steadily declined each year.
Injury Concerns and Roster Changes
Injury concerns came to the forefront when Ingram hyperextended his left knee a few weeks before the end of the last regular season. Additionally, Zion Williamson suffered a season-ending injury during the play-in tournament, further complicating the Pelicans' playoff aspirations. Griffin noted the immense pressure placed on Ingram during these challenging times. "Brandon went from not playing to, 'OK, now you have to carry us.' It was a really bad situation for Brandon," Griffin acknowledged.
The team has made several roster changes in the offseason, acquiring Dejounte Murray in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. However, this move didn't come without its costs, as the Pelicans let go of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency and lost Larry Nance Jr. in the Murray trade. To bolster their frontcourt depth, the Pelicans are reportedly counting on a combination of Daniel Theis, rookie Yves Missi, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Looking Forward: Strategic Adaptations
Despite the uncertainties, Griffin remains optimistic about the team's strategy and future outlook. "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," he stated, suggesting a shift in the team's tactical approach. He further emphasized the strengths the team aims to leverage: "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."
As the Pelicans navigate the complexities of salary cap management, player retention, and injury recovery, the focus remains on creating a balanced and competitive team. While the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, the commitment to maximizing their current roster's potential while adhering to financial realities stands at the forefront of their strategy.