Report: Brandon Ingram wants a $200M contract extension

Brandon Ingram is entering the final season of a five-year, $158.3 million contract signed ahead of the 2020-21 season. The New Orleans Pelicans forward is reportedly seeking a $200 million contract extension this offseason. During a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, NBA insider Brian Windhorst stated:

The reason that the Pelicans want to trade Brandon Ingram isn’t because he’s not a good player. It’s because he wants a $200 million contract extension and they don’t want to give it. And whatever team trades for him inherits the exact same situation – a player who wants a $200 million contract extension.

Ingram is set to earn $36 million in 2024-25. The one-time All-Star is eligible for a four-year, $208 million contract extension. If he does not sign an extension, he will enter unrestricted free agency for the first time next summer.

.@WindhorstESPN breaks down the issues with trading for Brandon Ingram, notably the fact that he wants a $200 million contract extension… pic.twitter.com/RtqMF3qkvq

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 9, 2024

Brandon Ingram signing an extension with the New Orleans Pelicans is not off the table

Mar 19, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) warms up prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Ingram is seemingly set to enter the prime of his career as he will turn 27 years old prior to the 2024-25 season. He has spent the past five seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans after spending the previous three as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. While the two sides have struggled to find a middle ground during extension talks, a long-term deal is not off the table.

William Guillory of The Athletic reported:

Without an Ingram trade, the Pelicans would have to find some middle ground with their forward on an extension. There’s some optimism within the building that the two sides could come to terms on a deal that makes each happy. Both the Pelicans and Ingram agree that going into training camp without an extension is a distraction they’d prefer to avoid.

That scenario certainly wouldn’t make sense for the Pelicans; finding value for him now is difficult enough, but trying to move him on an expiring contract at the trade deadline would be a nightmare. [h/t The Athetic]

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