The Toronto Raptors acquired Forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans late Wednesday night in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick, and one second-round pick. Ingram has been sidelined since December 7 with an ankle injury. It remains unclear when Ingram will be healthy enough to return to the hardwood.
Ingram being traded to the Toronto Raptors is not a huge surprise as they were one of the handful of teams the all-star forward was linked to heading into the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. New Orleans is now in a full-on rebuild as they traded away Center Daniel Theis earlier on Wednesday.
The Pelicans and Ingram were unable to come to terms on a long-term contract extension during the offseason. This paved the way for Ingram to be shipped out of town. He is set to be a free agent following the season and will reportedly be eyeing a maximum extension. How will Ingram fit in with the Toronto Raptors?
Toronto Raptors Season Summary
Breaking: The New Orleans Pelicans have traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick and one second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/tI4jo2cYhM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Even though Ingram has had an injury-plagued 2024-2025 season, he is one of the NBA’s best scorers when healthy. He has averaged 22.2 points per game this season and is a career 19.5 point per game scorer. Ingram is in the midst of his sixth consecutive season averaging 20+ points per game.
Ingram joins a Toronto Raptors team that is one of the league’s worst. They are 16-35 and the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference. To their credit, they have been playing better as of late winning six of their last 10 games. Ingram left a Pelicans team which has been ravaged by injuries, but the same can be said about the Toronto Raptors.
Point Guard Immanuel Quickley has been limited to 12 games this year while Forward Scottie Barnes has been in and out of the lineup all season. Barnes is the future of the franchise. He is 13th in the league in assists and is a franchise cornerstone.
Final Thoughts
There are still many unknowns surrounding Ingram and the Toronto Raptors. Ingram’s return to the court is unknown as is his willingness to sign a long-term extension with the team following the season. One thing is for sure though following this marquee move. Toronto acquired one of the league’s best scorers when healthy and the Pelicans are stripping their roster down to the studs.
