By Eric Jay Santos
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for a package of Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown, one first-round draft pick, and one second-round draft pick. This season, Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over 18 games. The 6-foot-8 forward has been inactive since December due to a lower left ankle injury.
In his six seasons with the Pelicans, Ingram averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. In 2020, Ingram was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player award and earned an All-Star selection. His five-year, $158 million contract is set to expire this summer.
Olynk is averaging 7.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 23 games. Brown is averaging 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 17 games. Both players have been limited due to injuries this season.
Earlier this week, the Pelicans traded Daniel Theis and a second-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The move puts New Orleans below the luxury tax threshold.