Tyler Kaufman

NBA Rumors: Pelicans' Brandon Ingram, Rich Paul's Klutch Sports to Agree to Contract

Scott Polacek

Brandon Ingram is slated to be under the microscope during the upcoming offseason as a free agent, and he reportedly will be with a new agency as he looks for his next contract.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday that Ingram signed with the Rich Paul-led Klutch Sports Group. This comes after the forward and New Orleans Pelicans did not come to terms on a contract extension or trade before the 2024-25 campaign.

Prior to signing with Klutch, Ingram was represented by Excel Sports Management.

The Duke product was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 NBA draft and started his career on the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was part of the trade package the Lakers sent the Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis before the 2019-20 campaign.

Ingram was an All-Star in his first season with New Orleans and then signed a five-year, $158 million max deal with the club in November 2020.

Durability has been something of a concern for the 27-year-old, who has never played more than 64 games during his tenure with the Pelicans. Yet he is effective when he is on the floor and is averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists a night through 16 games this season.

There will be questions about whether New Orleans plans on bringing him back until an agreement is made or he signs elsewhere. Charania noted executive vice president David Griffin said in June, "Brandon wants to stay here. ... At the same time, there is a financial reality that we all deal with."

New Orleans and Klutch Sports will have to navigate that financial reality together if there is an agreement to be made.

   

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