New Orleans Pelicans executive David Griffin revealed that financial constraints were the main driver behind the decision to trade Brandon Ingram, although injury issues also influenced the move. The Pelicans sent Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk shortly before last week’s trade deadline.
“We reached a point where financially we weren’t going to be able to keep the group together as we were constructed,” Griffin explained, emphasizing the team’s need to manage its salary commitments.
Ingram had been seeking a contract extension before the trade occurred. However, with several players already tied to substantial long-term contracts and ongoing injury concerns within the roster, New Orleans found it challenging to offer Ingram a new deal. Griffin acknowledged that the team’s struggles with player availability were a significant factor in the decision.
“We need to get better just in terms of our ability to build a more available roster,” Griffin stated. “Obviously, that’s something we’ve failed at to this point.”
While Brown’s contract is set to expire soon and Olynyk has one year remaining after this season, the Pelicans view both players as more than temporary solutions.
“This is not viewed as a short-term situation with either player in our minds,” Griffin noted. “We hope, as the season unfolds, they grow to feel the same about us.”
David Griffin: Finances, Injuries Led To Brandon Ingram Trade https://t.co/XqCtqhUPQF
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 12, 2025
