It is likely that former All-Star small forward Brandon Ingram will play for another team this coming season given the past and current rumors swirling around him. The rumors were taken up a notch when he missed a week-long voluntary minicamp by Pelicans players in California. The entire team was present except for Ingram and center Daniel Theis. Players really do miss camp for one reason or another, but the Pelicans believed that Ingram, who is an essential part of the team, would attend but he never showed. Ingram is entering the last season of a five-year, $158.25 million contract. He is set to make $36 million this season and will become an unrestricted free agent after 2024-25. While both sides are open to have a future together, looks like Ingram wants to get paid with a max contract. He is eligible to sign a four-year, $208 million or he can choose to be test the waters and target a max five-year, $260 million deal next season. Scuttlebutt has it that while the Pelicans want to keep Ingram, they are unwilling to pay him a max contract with so many substantial contracts in the books. These include the $163 million guaranteed to Zion Williamson over the next four seasons, CJ McCollum's $64 million contract over the next two years, and Dejounte Murray's $83 million deal for four years. This is why that if they can't keep him, they would rather trade him or else lose him for nothing. Thus, the constant trade rumors. However, the trade market for Ingram is thin since his asking extension price is too high. Additionally, teams that were initially interested such as the Sacramento Kings and the San Antonio Spurs, already grabbed DeMar DeRozan and Harrison Barnes, to fill their need at the small forward positions. Ingram will be a catch for teams since his numbers are impressive. In five seasons, he has recorded averages of 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.8 three-point field goals on a shooting line of .472/.372/.847. He is an above-average defender with his skill and length and is considered one of the best small forwards in the league. The biggest criticism of Ingram, however, is his lack of intensity and leadership on both ends of the floor. Injury concerns are also a constant. He has never played more than 64 games in the regular season over five years with the Pelicans and has missed a total of 123 games. Meanwhile, having a disgruntled former All-Star on the bench is not good for team chemistry and Ingram's presence will only become a distraction. With limited trade options for the Pelicans and their unwillingness to sign Ingram to a max contract, the disaster scenario that he will be leaving for nothing after this season is becoming more and more likely. raffyrledesma@yahoo.com
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