One of the best forwards in the NBA, Brandon Ingram has long been on the Toronto Raptors’ radar. Today, he’s maneuvering through another big shift in his NBA life. Just a few days later on February 5, Ingram departed the New Orleans Pelicans. He had established himself as a key player in that time before relocating to the Raptors. He officially started that next chapter in Toronto by signing a three-year contract extension with the Raptors valued at $120 million. This deal does have a 2027-28 player option attached.
Ingram’s time with the Pelicans featured great production, as he averaged more than 23 points per game in 305 games. His time in New Orleans has not come without controversy. On December 7, 2024, he had a high ankle sprain that gave him the impression his time with the Pelicans was over. Though bittersweet about the trade, Ingram has remained open about his lasting love for New Orleans and its fans.
Ingram went to Toronto as part of the trade. In exchange, they got back guard Bruce Brown, forward Kelly Olynik, a first-round pick and a second-round pick. Ingram is currently undergoing a successful transition to his new team. Ever since arriving here in Canada, he’s felt a real change in his mental state. His first regular-season game with the Raptors was on October 22 vs the Atlanta Hawks.
Before the injury, Ingram was playing the best basketball of his career. He was scoring at an average of 23.2 points per game. He was seeking a supermax contract extension with the Pelicans following the 2023-24 season. Something went well with the Raptors that he didn’t plan on though. He doesn’t regret his decision to pivot, stating that he’s in a far better place mentally and professionally.
“He’s a quiet leader. That is what we didn’t have on this team, so it’s really good to have him,” said teammate Temple about Ingram’s demeanor and leadership style.
Ingram quickly formed bonds with several Raptors teammates, including rookie guard Jamal Shead and fellow players Scottie Barnes and R.J. Barrett. It’s this camaraderie that has proven crucial in supporting his transition into the team dynamic as well.
Reflecting on his time in New Orleans, Ingram remarked, “Anyone who has been around me knows the love that I have for New Orleans. I really bought into New Orleans. I really loved everything about it, from the people and everything.” He could not have made his intentions more plain. He wanted to emphasize that none of his comments were intended to be disparaging about his old city.
I hardly could have guessed that it was a supposed ‘shot’ at New Orleans. Ingram went on to explain the context behind some of his comments that fans turned into conspiracy theories.
Ingram’s dedication to keeping diplomacy at the forefront of any potentially messy dealings is clear just from how he goes about cultivating team chemistry. “I’m not going to bring everybody down because this is around the time when there was trade talk,” he stated. “I’m going to keep the gym uplifted. I’m going to be the same person.”
“Even while battling the injury bug, Ingram was hellbent on making a huge splash for his new team. “We had a lot of injuries. Funny thing, I was the last man standing in that starting five…I was trying to do everything in my power to stay healthy,” he recounted.
Ingram, now part of the Toronto Raptors organization, is high on what he can do and the help being provided by the training staff. “I can still do the things that I am known to do. I’m in control of myself…I feel like I’m in a good spot right now,” he remarked.
He is very excited about the potential of his new team and thinks it could be among the most successful in the history of the city. “This team can be whatever we want it to be,” Ingram asserted.
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