Pelicans All-Star forward Brandon Ingram has become a restricted free agent after New Orleans extended him his $9.48MM qualifying offer, Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports tweets.
The No. 2 pick by the Lakers in 2016, Ingram was one of the key players moved in the mega-blockbuster summer 2019 trade that sent Anthony Davis from the Pelicans to Los Angeles. He was voted the Most Improved Player and received his first All-Star berth during his inaugural season with the Pelicans in 2019/20. He is widely considered one of the best free agents among the 2020 class.
The Pelicans also issued a qualifying offer to two-way player Zylan Cheatham, Smith noted in a separate tweet. The 6’5″ forward out of San Diego State and Arizona State saw his first NBA action in three games for New Orleans during this past season.
Listed below are a few more updates on two-way players being issued qualifying offers across the NBA. These offers are one-year, two-way deals with a $50K guarantee. While these players are free to accept their QOs, most will probably seek a standard contract with their current team or an offer sheet with a new club, if possible.
- Two-way Raptors small forward Oshae Brissett was tendered a qualifying offer, JD Shaw of Hoops Rumors tweets. The 6’7″ 21-year-old out of Syracuse appeared in 19 games for Toronto, and is now a two-way restricted free agent.
- Timberwolves two-way players Kelan Martin and Jordan McLaughlin were both extended qualifying offers by Minnesota, making them two-way restricted free agents, per Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). Martin, a 6’5″ small forward out of Butler, appeared in 31 games with the Timberwolves, averaging 6.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG. McLaughlin, a 5’11” point guard out of USC, averaged 7.6 PPG and 4.2 APG across 30 games for Minnesota. He also exhibited a solid three-point stroke, knocking down 38.2% of his 2.5 three-point attempts.
- The Knicks have made two-way point guard Jared Harper a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent, per Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).
- 6’5″ Jazz two-way forward Jarrell Brantley has been given a qualifying offer by the Jazz, effectively making him a restricted free agent, per Tony Jones of The Athletic (Twitter link). Brantley appeared in nine games for Utah.
How often has an all star received QO?
Not often, they usually aren’t at that level so quickly but it definitely happens.
They mostly do it so they can match offers. Makes it so they can’t be stolen away
I wonder if Ingram feels insulted by a QO instead of getting a long term contract?
He’ll probably sign a long-term contract within the next week or so — issuing the QO is just a formality to make sure the Pelicans can match any offer sheet he signs.
Is there a place they are tracking all the QOs?
Not sure anyone know?
We’ll have a recap up tomorrow morning. Just waiting to make sure that the ones that haven’t been reported weren’t tendered.
Why would anyone choose to stay with a team called the Pelicans?
Yeah I’d wanna player for the Lakers that’s a sickkk name. I love to Lake.
Or maybe the Clippers? Sailboats rule. I love to play bball in the ocean!
Heat is a sick name too, maybe Pelicans should change their name to the Cold. Winter is coming…you can’t catch…the cold.
Maybe they should change their name to the Motorcycles. Thatd be sweet. The New Orleans Motorcycles. Bad. Ass.
Because we different 2 hands