Brandon Ingram Rumors: Pelicans 'Remain Open' to New Contract in 2025 NBA Free Agency

The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly are not closing the door on a long-term extension with forward Brandon Ingram.

Jake Fischer, writing for The Stein Line, reported that the Pelicans "remain open" to signing Ingram following the 2024-25 season but that Ingram was "not amenable" to New Orleans' previous offers.

"I'm told that the Pelicans still remain open to re-signing Ingram this summer after the sides were unable to agree to a contract extension this past offseason," Fischer wrote. "Ingram, sources said, was not amenable to New Orleans' offers that landed in the $40 million range in average annual value. Yet it could well be just as challenging for Ingram, who makes $36 million this season, to find that type of money available on the open market this summer — just as is often said about Jimmy Butler's quest for a high-dollar contract if the back-with-Miami Butler declines his $52.4 million player option for 2025-26."

Ingram has averaged 22.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 18 games for New Orleans in 2024-25. He has not played since Dec. 7 after suffering an ankle injury and has yet to fully participate in practice since, although he has traveled with the team and participated in individual workouts.

He is set to hit unrestricted free agency after the season and could play a role as a rental for a playoff team. New Orleans will not be heading to the postseason, as the team is currently 11-32. If the Pelicans are not intent on signing him, recouping value for him will be important.

However, Fischer's report shows that the team at least has interest in keeping Ingram and will be prepared to pay a premium for his services.