Brandon Ingram Is Betting Against The Odds

Brandon Ingram's decision against pursuing a contract extension this offseason may become his biggest bet in his career.

Brandon Ingram's decision against pursuing a contract extension this offseason may become his biggest bet in his career.  Will it payoff for New Orleans' star forward, aka, B.I.?  Let's see.

According to Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark, Ingram plans against negotiating a contract extension based on the NBA market or his current value in New Orleans.  Instead, he's calculating his financial future based on his projected performance in 2023-24.

INGRAM'S CONTRACT HYPOTHESIS 

Here's the detailed hypothesis according to Hoop Rumors writer Luke Adams:

1. Remain unsigned and earn $33.8 million in 2023-34. Allow the contract to expire and make $36 million.
2. Sign a contract extension today and earn up to $160 million in the following two seasons.
3. Wait to sign a contract extension after the 2023-24 season and earn a projected $221 million for four seasons with a 10% annual cap increase.

"If we assume 10% salary cap increases for each of the next two seasons, that would work out to about $160MM," Adams said.

Mar 6, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram (14) walks to the bench as a time out is called against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

ROLLING THE DICE

Here's the caveat. Should Ingram earn All-NBA honors in 2023-24, he's contract value increases to a maximum extension of $334 million for five seasons.

Staying healthy during the season is an issue for Brandon Ingram.  The Pelicans star must play 65 games in 2023-24 to be eligible for the All-NBA Team selection.  The Duke product has been on the basketball court for over 65 contests since his rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

• 2022-23: 45 games
• 2021-22: 55 games
• 2020-21: 61 games
• 2019-20: 62 games
• 2018-19: 52 games
• 2017-19: 59 games
• 2016-17: 79 games

WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR INGRAM?

First, Ingram could lose millions should he repeat having an injury-riddled season.  Therefore, Ingram must consistently produce impressive statistics deserving of All-NBA recognition.  Last season, the Pelicans forward averaged 24.7 points and 5.8 assists per game in 45 appearances.  Brandon Ingram could increase his scoring and assists in his fifth season with New Orleans, but playing alongside Zion Williamson could impact those numbers.  For now, B.I. will roll the dice, play against the odds, and hope to parlay his bet into a max contract extension next offseason.  Will it work out for Ingram?

We shall see.