New Orleans Pelicans Trade Brandon Ingram To the Toronto Raptors

The NBA trade deadline has been full of fireworks, and another big move just went down. Earlier today, the New Orleans Pelicans sent former All-Star Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster deal. In return, the Pelicans received Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and a haul of draft picks – including a valuable first-rounder.

Shams Charania broke the news via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing, “The New Orleans Pelicans have traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick and one second-rounder, sources tell ESPN.” This trade finally puts an end to the long-running speculation surrounding Ingram’s future. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and little indication that he’d sign an extension, a trade felt inevitable as the season dragged on. And given the Pelicans’ struggles—Ingram and Zion Williamson combining for just 32 total games, plus Dejounte Murray ruled out for the season with a torn ACL—New Orleans found itself stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference with a brutal 12-39 record. 

When healthy, Ingram has been productive, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. His numbers are strikingly similar to those of his new Raptors teammates, Scottie Barnes (20.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 6.4 apg) and RJ Barrett (21.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.7 apg), giving Toronto one of the most versatile trios in the NBA. Unlike New Orleans, Toronto has shown real signs of life despite their low position in the Eastern Conference standings. The Raptors have won eight of their last 11 games. Even with Brandon Ingram now in the mix, the Raptors still aren’t viewed as serious playoff contenders. Instead, their front office already seems to be looking ahead to the 2025 NBA Draft, which is shaping up to be one of the deepest in years. 

As for the Pelicans, they add Bruce Brown – a solid, experienced player who’s putting up 8.4 points per game this season with Toronto and has appeared in 434 career games (256 starts). They also bring in Kelly Olynyk, though injuries have limited him to just 24 games this season. A lingering back issue kept him sidelined until his debut on December 7, but the Toronto native has started to find his rhythm. Just last night, he put up nine points and seven rebounds, bumping his season averages to 7.1 points and 3.7 boards. 

Also Read: Warriors Land Jimmy Butler in Blockbuster Trade, Send Wiggins to the Heat