He hasn’t appeared in a game for his new team yet, but Brandon Ingram has already made franchise history for the Raptors, contends Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.
As Lewenberg explains, Ingram is the first All-Star player to “chart a course to Toronto in the prime of his career.” Conversely, Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, and DeMar DeRozan were drafted and developed by the Raptors; Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard didn’t view Toronto as a preferred destination when they were traded there; and Hakeem Olajuwon was in his twilight years when he chose to sign with Toronto.
Although it’s unclear whether Toronto was the No. 1 landing spot on Ingram’s wish list, the Raptors were believed to be one of the teams – along with the Hawks – the 27-year-old targeted as an ideal fit, Lewenberg writes. That was backed up by the fact that Ingram quickly signed a three-year, $120MM extension with the Raptors just days after the trade was completed.
That three-year deal will pay Ingram a salary of $38,095,238 in 2025/26 and exactly $40MM in ’26/27, Hoops Rumors has confirmed. The star forward will hold a $41,904,762 player option for the ’27/28 season.
“First thing that I heard [from the Raptors] is they want to make me an All-Star again and I’m going to be a big part of what they do moving forward,” Ingram told reporters last week. “I want to come here and learn. I want to come here and be a sponge, shift the culture, make it a winning culture and come in here and just listen. Do whatever coach (Darko Rajakovic) needs me to do and go out and try to be an example every single day.”
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- Lonzo Ball‘s new two-year, $20MM extension with the Bulls has a flat year-over-year structure, Hoops Rumors has learned. Ball’s $10MM salary in 2025/26 is fully guaranteed, then Chicago holds a $10MM team option for ’26/27.
- Wendell Moore‘s new two-way contract with the Hornets is just a rest-of-season deal, Hoops Rumors has learned. Charlotte’s other two-way players, KJ Simpson and Damion Baugh, are under contract through next season on two-year, two-way contracts. Moore also won’t be eligible for a qualifying offer this summer — because he previously had his 2025/26 rookie scale team option declined, the third-year shooting guard will automatically become an unrestricted free agent.
- Ethan Thompson, who has played primarily in the G League since going undrafted in 2021, referred to his new two-way contract with the Magic as a “dream come true,” adding that playing for the organization – including Orlando’s G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic – has “felt like home,” according to Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel (subscription required). “It was a surreal moment,” Thompson said of signing his first NBA two-way contract. “My mom instantly cried. My father is proud; my brother is proud as well. It’s a great thing to be able to share that with them.”
Raptors must see something in Ingram to pay him so much. The guy is offense only.
Like Halliburton for the Pacers?
Haliburton is a far better player. Better shooter and infinitely better passer, a legit playmaking hub. Only thing Ingram might be better at is iso scoring and not by much
It seems like it was only recently when people were saying that Ingram was going to be the next KD lol
I see Scottie and Ingram at same position. Team building at its finest …….
I’m gonna suggest that Masai and co. have a better grasp of team building than you and other posters on this site. There is clearly a longer term plan that we just aren’t aware of yet.
Scottie is a 4, Ingram is a 3.
The problem is Ingram and RJ.
link to google.com
6’ 8” and 190 lbs. guards are thicker. I doubt you know the difference. Still plays no D.
link to nba.com
Considered a future point forward. Makes sense, some imo. I consider him a SF .
6’ 8” and 225 —— Bron is considered best 3 ever at 255 lbs.
Scottie was suppose to be a 2way guy with guard skills. But Like Ben. Thats an overshoot. He is a 3, doesnt like contact really.
Do you understand what the power in PF (4) means. Hart is a 4 on Knicks. And he never plays like one.
We all can see you just repeat whatever espn or experts tell you to say. We understand that you draw a blank on understanding the game. When adults who know what they talk about argue. They use real life skills and Knowledge. Gained over yrs of experience. Real ballers are not here to flame or impress. We are here for real knowledge and debate. We welcome other points of view. So when you get one. Or decide on one to believe in. Is when you will have a real conversation. Otherwise you are just yanking it for all to witness.
Look up Bob Pettit and learn something.
Not even the BS you swallow know who he is ??
Petit is the first true big SF in history. At 6’9” and 205 lbs had a handle and shot. Considered a PF in his day. Way ahead of his time .
They had never seen a guy his size. Face the basket. And take them off the dribble. Actually KD before KD and a better rebounder
link to google.com
Brandon Ingram made history by being the first good player to want to play for the Raptors. What an honor lmao
So many non raptors fans more concerned about raptors than the actual raptors fans. Who knew! You all wanted Ingram to kings or hawks we know.