Pelicans Forward Brandon Ingram - Photo by USA Today's Stephen Lew
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – As NBA teams continue to prepare and work through their Summer League program, the trade market has quieted down the last few weeks, with some big names still reportedly available.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New Orleans Pelicans “remain very open to” trade discussions involving former All-Star Brandon Ingram, 26, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 64 games last season.
One of the main reasons Ingram’s trade market has taken a hit, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, is his desire to receive a new $200 million contract extension and possible suitors like the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, who are teams that The Athletics’ Will Guillory reports is “monitoring” his availability but not willing to sign him to a long-term max deal.
Ingram is eligible for a four-year, $208 million deal after scoring 20.8 points per game in 2023–24. If he signs it, his average yearly pay beginning in 2025–26 will be $52 million, requiring the Bucks to move center Brook Lopez, guard Pat Connaughton, and possibly Bobby Portis Jr. to make his money work.
Trade rumors surrounding Lopez have included several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks, but Milwaukee is reportedly looking for a large return for the veteran center, which could include a first-round pick and a potential suitor taking his full $23 million salary, which teams have considered “too rich” for a 36-year-old player.
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