Author: Monojit Mandal
Brandon Ingram, the coveted star of the New Orleans Pelicans, is entering the final year of his contract, but inside sources say he is in no hurry to sign a new deal. Several team insiders confirmed to Christian Clark of NOLA.com that Ingram plans to postpone contract discussions with the Pelicans until the summer of 2024, four years after his acquisition in the Anthony Davis deal.
Surprisingly, this strategic pause seems to be a consensual agreement between Ingram and the Pelicans organization, with no signs of concern on either side. The reasoning for this strategy is simple: Ingram has the chance to significantly increase his future earning potential if he performs well during the 2023-24 season.
“Ingram’s financial prospects could increase if he secures a spot on the All-NBA team next season, making him eligible for a ‘Supermax’ contract,” Clark explained. This exclusive five-year deal would start at 35% of the salary cap“.
According to Spotrac, Ingram is set to earn US$33.8 million this season. While the possibility of extending his contract remains open until the start of the 2023-24 season in October, he would be limited to a three-year extension worth $147 million, according to Clark. On the other hand, choosing Supermax’s full five-year extension would almost triple that amount in guaranteed income.
Last season, Ingram’s season was hampered by a toe injury that limited him to 45 games. However, while he was good, the 26-year-old showed a steady development in his game. He averaged 24.7 points and 5.8 assists per game, the best of his career, and shot 39.0% from beyond the arc.
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The road to a deal with Supermax will require Ingram to maintain his condition during the current season. According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, players must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for All-NBA honors. Ingram hasn’t done that since his debut season in 2016-17.
As Ingram prepares for the summer of 2024, his status remains intrinsically linked to the Pelicans’ success this season, leaving fans and league experts eager for the next chapter in this interesting contract story.