NBA Rumors: 'Some Optimism' Brandon Ingram, Pelicans Reach Contract Amid Trade Buzz

Brandon Ingram's time with the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly could wind up being extended.

William Guillory of The Athletic reported that the Pelicans and Ingram have "some optimism" on a potential extension getting done.

"Without an Ingram trade, the Pelicans would have to find some middle ground with their forward on an extension," Guillory wrote. "There's some optimism within the building that the two sides could come to terms on a deal that makes each happy."

Guillory reported that neither side wants to enter the preseason without an extension in place. Additionally, New Orleans doesn't want to lose the forward for nothing next offseason and would also prefer fair value in a trade over an underwhelming package at the deadline.

Ingram is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $36 million in 2024-25. He is eligible for a max extension, but Guillory reported that the Pelicans are hesitant to allocate that to Ingram, which has caused the current disparity.

Ingram went 20.8 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 64 games in 2023-24. His market looked like it could be strong earlier in the offseason, but the Paul George, DeMar DeRozan dominos have allowed some teams seeking forwards to no longer need Ingram.

With New Orleans acquiring Dejounte Murray this offseason, keeping Ingram to play alongside Murray and Zion Williamson could be intriguing for a Pelicans team that is looking to build on a playoff appearance this past season.