Pelicans Facing Critical Decisions On Brandon Ingram, And Yes, Zion Williamson

December 17, 2024

The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads with both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson ahead of the NBA trade deadline, and frankly, they’re running out of time to figure things out.

Let’s start with Ingram. He’s in the final year of his $36 million deal, with a $2 million trade bonus attached if he’s dealt by the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The Pelicans are on the clock.

But here’s the thing: they don’t want to pay him a max extension worth $208 million. Ingram’s eligible for that deal, but the Pelicans have no interest in locking him into a contract that starts at $46.4 million annually. Not even close. So, what happens next?

Three scenarios play out over the next couple of months, as relayed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks:

Ingram takes a discount and signs an extension to stay in New Orleans. This seems unlikely, but it’s still on the table.
Ingram gets traded — the most probable option. Teams will line up for a player who’s averaged 22+ points per game for six straight seasons. The San Antonio Spurs are a prime candidate, with cap flexibility and an opening to pair Ingram with Victor Wembanyama long-term.
No trade happens. The Pelicans are stuck with Ingram for the rest of the season, and they don’t get a return for him. This could be a financial headache for New Orleans, especially with the looming risk of him leaving for nothing in free agency.

Now, let’s talk about Zion. Over the next three years, his $39.4 million, $42.2 million, and $44.9 million salaries are non-guaranteed.

The big question is whether the Pelicans are ready to move on from the injury-plagued former No. 1 pick. They’re not about to waive him, at least not yet. But if the injuries keep piling up … well, that could change in a hurry.

Meanwhile, trading Williamson would be a challenge. His injury history is a major red flag, and New Orleans would have to find a team willing to take on that risk.

If they do trade him, it’ll likely be for expiring contracts or a future draft pick, not a return that can immediately help. Alternatively, they could just cut him loose this summer with no financial obligation. There’s no shortage of risk here either way.

Basically, the Pelicans have two superstar talents who could be on the move, and neither one’s future is locked in.

New Orleans could face a scenario where they have to pick between Ingram and Williamson — and neither is an easy decision. If they’re tired of dealing with Zion’s injuries, they might have to go all-in on Ingram. But that’s easier said than done when financial realities are at play.

No matter, the Pelicans need to act fast. They’ve got until the Feb. 6 trade deadline to make moves, and if they’re not careful, they could lose both of these assets without a significant return.

It’s a tough spot, but this is the NBA. Business is business, and right now, the Pelicans are in a financial and strategic standstill.