It’s been a tough couple of seasons for the New Orleans Pelicans. While the team and its fanbase understand that they have a talented squad on their side, they just haven’t been fortunate enough to win playoff games in the Western Conference.
They’re currently exploring their options through trade, with Trae Young among the names considered to be brought in via trade. It would bring some much-needed firepower on the backcourt that the Pelicans have lacked over the past two years.
However, this also brings into question Brandon Ingram’s uncertain future. The Kentucky product’s contract with the Pelicans end in the coming season. While the forward has been a solid contributor to the team’s regular-season campaigns, he hasn’t played a complete NBA season in his career. His lack of availability makes him a worrying piece to build around.
While some fans are worried over how Ingram’s contract situation would play out, the team’s GM made an assurance that seeks to clear the air on the Ingram situation.
GM David Griffin: the New Orleans Pelicans want Brandon Ingram to stay
Almost every NBA team that needs firepower in the forward position is closely following the developments in Ingram’s contract talks. Some are probably hoping that talks break down between the two so they can swoop in with an offer the Pels cannot afford to refuse if they don’t want to lose him for free.
However, Pelicans GM David Griffin made a clear statement: Brandon Ingram wants to stay, and the Pelicans are more than happy to keep him.
Per ClutchPoints’ Sonny Giuliano:
“Brandon (Ingram) wants to stay here,” David Griffin said on Wednesday night, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic. “He believes in what we’re building. That’s meaningful to us. … At the same time, there’s a financial reality that we all deal with. We’re excited about Brandon. We know he’s excited about us.”
Of course, taking his statements at face value is the worst move to make. The Pelicans may be looking at possible trade scenarios that would leave them in a much better situation. They could also be tweaking a deal that protects them in case Ingram gets injured again.
Regardless of what they decide to do with Ingram, he’ll be a worthwhile addition to any NBA roster. Last season, the second overall pick of the 2016 Draft averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
For More Content
Message me at [email protected] for questions and opportunities. For more basketball content, click here!