The Toronto Raptors have reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram, according to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein.
Ingram, who has been a key player for the Pelicans since arriving via trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, was quietly made available during the offseason.
The move was linked to the Pelicans’ desire to reshape their roster, particularly as Ingram approaches unrestricted free agency next year.
Despite exploring trade possibilities, New Orleans has yet to find an offer that meets their expectations. Negotiations between Ingram and the Pelicans regarding a possible contract extension have also been challenging.
Sources indicate that the two sides remain far apart on financial terms, complicating New Orleans’ efforts to secure their All-Star forward for the long term.
Ingram is currently in the final year of his contract, earning $36 million this season, which heightens the urgency for the franchise to decide on his future. Meanwhile, the Raptors find themselves at a critical juncture.
After trading key pieces OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam last season, the franchise pivoted toward a developmental approach, effectively designating 2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes as the new face of the team.
Despite this shift, Raptors President Masai Ujiri is believed to be motivated to re-establish Toronto as a contender in the Eastern Conference, signaling a desire to accelerate their rebuild rather than endure a prolonged period of mediocrity.
As the trade deadline nears, the Raptors have reportedly been involved in multiple trade discussions, including acting as a potential facilitator in a broader deal centered around Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
Toronto’s front office holds several valuable trade assets in players with team-friendly contracts, such as Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher, and Davion Mitchell.
These contracts, along with future draft capital, position the Raptors as a flexible trade partner capable of facilitating multi-team deals.
Acquiring Ingram would be a bold but strategic move for the Raptors. The 6-foot-8 forward is known for his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and versatility on both ends of the floor.
By trading for him now, Toronto would add an established veteran capable of easing offensive burdens on Scottie Barnes and elevating the team’s immediate competitiveness.
Importantly, this move would not preclude the Raptors from maintaining strong odds for a high lottery pick in the upcoming draft – an asset that could further accelerate their turnaround by adding another young cornerstone to the roster.
While challenges remain in negotiating a fair deal with New Orleans, Toronto’s interest in Ingram underscores Ujiri’s ongoing commitment to navigating the Raptors toward a swift return to prominence.
Whether this gamble materializes into a transformative trade or remains speculative will likely hinge on how talks evolve in the final days leading up to the deadline.
Raptors Emerge With Interest In Brandon Ingram https://t.co/G85cytSKRv
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 28, 2025
