$158 Million New Orleans Pelicans Forward Predicted To Make Trade Demand in 2024-25

Ingram was sidelined for the game, while Trey Murphy was recovering from a hamstring injury, which added to the team’s challenges. Coach Willie Green opted for a starting lineup featuring Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, and Daniel Theis. While Williamson contributed 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, the Pelicans struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 30% of their three-point attempts in the first half.

The Heat took control with a decisive 12-1 run in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 15 points. Despite the struggles, rookie center Yves Missi delivered a promising performance, blocking four shots and demonstrating his athleticism with a remarkable 38½-inch vertical leap.

The Pelicans will look to improve their performance in their final preseason game against the Houston Rockets before opening the regular season against the Chicago Bulls on October 23.

New Orleans Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram Projected To Make Trade Demand in 2024-25 NBA Season

The Pelicans’ recent preseason game is just one example of Ingram’s experience with the team. If things don’t go well, the former All-Star forward may request a trade, as noted by Grant Hughes’ analysis for Bleacher Report.

Wherever the line is between the not-so-subtle expression of discontent and a full-on trade demand, Brandon Ingram has walked up to it, peered over at what’s on the other side and probably had a good, long think about what to do next.

It feels like a matter of time until he steps across. 

With free agency looming and a clear lack of desire on the part of the New Orleans Pelicans to hand him the $200 million extension he wants, Ingram skipped a voluntary minicamp in Los Angeles and did a little passive-aggressive venting on social media. 

Per ESPN’s Chris Herring, “It was no secret around the league that New Orleans, reluctant to give Ingram a max extension, made the one-time All-Star available this summer.” 

New Orleans would probably prefer to get a deal done before Ingram officially asks out; trade requests sometimes hurt the quality of incoming packages. If Ingram makes a demand, the Pels will lose leverage and should expect some low-ball offers.

Ingram’s future with the Pelicans remains uncertain as trade speculations grow in the NBA. Despite his talent, the team’s roster dynamics and the presence of other key players may limit his fit. Analysts suggest that if the Pelicans don’t find success soon, Ingram could become a trade candidate.

His potential departure would reflect the ongoing challenges the franchise faces in building a competitive team. Ultimately, Ingram’s situation illustrates the broader volatility of player movements in the league, as teams seek to optimize their rosters for future success.