The Raptors have emerged as a team to watch as a potential suitor for Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).
Stein’s report doesn’t indicate that the two sides have gained any momentum toward a deal, but he writes that “the mere suggestion of potential Raptors interest” is the most noteworthy development on the Ingram front for several weeks.
Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher, and Davion Mitchell, all of whom are on expiring contracts, have frequently been mentioned as Raptors trade candidates leading up to next Thursday’s deadline, as has big man Kelly Olynyk, who has one more guaranteed year left on his own deal.
As Stein observes, most recent Raptors-related rumors have connected Toronto to a potential multi-team Jimmy Butler blockbuster as a facilitator. But Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca cited a front office source last week who said the Raptors are also believed to be on the lookout for a “significant piece” to pair with All-Star forward Scottie Barnes.
While it remains to be seen if Toronto’s front office views Ingram as that “significant piece,” the 27-year-old forward is a former All-Star who is very much available via trade as he plays out his $36MM expiring contract. He and the Pelicans have been unable to agree to terms on an extension, creating uncertainty about his future in New Orleans beyond this season.
Unfortunately, Ingram hasn’t had much of an opportunity to boost his stock this season as he nears unrestricted free agency. Injuries, including a badly sprained left ankle that has sidelined him since December 7, have limited him to 18 outings for the 12-35 Pelicans, who have endured a nightmare season so far.
In those 18 contests, Ingram has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with a shooting line of .465/.374/.855.
So sign him as a free agent. Giving up assets for a player you can go after in a few months is a weird choice, especially when we have 0% at making the playoffs
It’s mostly a form of hedging their bets, plus they clear some of their expiring or short-term money. Unlike the Knicks for Melo, the Raptors aren’t a FA destination. And by acquiring his Bird Rights (which I believe they do in this hypothetical?), the Raptors can offer him the most money.
Raptors will not have the cap space to do so.
Ingram stats line is better than Butler.
Age
Ingram 27
Butler 34
Ingram is a me player and does most his damage early then pulls a keysor soze. When it counts, puff of smoke. And just like that, he’s gone.
Sounds like a younger Butler…
BI wishes.
Ingram does not have an alpha bone in his body.
If he did they’d all be sprained or broken.
Bruce and a 2026 pick. I wouldn’t hate it.
You should
I usually do what I want
So you’re single.
Ingram is perpetually injured and mediocre when on the court. Hard pass.
Ingram is not worth the max. Teams are fools to give it to him. NO would be wise to move him.
Move Zion too ….. Zion is one more injury from being out the L.
Zion for Embiid….lol
Bro, was just thinking how this could work for both sides lol. Both very injury prone, and obv it wouldn’t be straight up as Embiid is still the better player, but a change of scenery could unlock another level for either.
Ingram is an elite offensive talent. Easily, a top 25 offensive option when right. But he’s too fragile to ever rely on. He not only gets injured too often, and in too many innocuus ways, he takes too long to rehab his way back for almost any injury.
TOR seems like an odd fit, basketball-wise, but Ujiri has never followed a conventional path in building his teams.
While the NOP wouldn’t have any interest in Butler, it would not surprise me if MIA had some in Ingram. On paper, he’s exactly what they claim to be looking for. He’s an expiring deal, and a guy who (if healthy) can help them win games this year. He’s even a guy they could run their offense through, as they did with Bulter during any period of playoff success they’ve had the past 5 years. Obviously, the team getting Butler would have send some decent stuff to the NOP, but I don’t see the NOP in a position to demand a haul.
A nice player to (semi) carry the balance sheet and 2 2nds is all Id see NO getting
I was actually thinking this was exactly up Masai’s strange twisty alley upon reading the title