As the 2016 star show, Ingram's career has also been unsatisfactory. Although he was talented, his early years with the Lakers never met expectations, and he eventually fell victim to the Lakers' trade. After moving to the Pelicans, Ingram's status and role on the team have been greatly improved, and he has also been successfully selected as an All-Star, which was once full of expectations. But as her career went on, Ingram seemed to be stagnate again, especially when it came to a strong performance in Healthy Zion, where Ingram was clearly underwhelmed. In the series of being eliminated by the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs this season, Ingram was in poor shape, averaging only 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, shooting as low as 34.5% from the field and only 25% from three-point range. The poor performance also gave Pelicans management the idea of abandoning Ingram and is interested in exploring a trade for Ingram this summer.
According to the latest report from Sharania, Pelicans management is not satisfied with the performance of their second-in-command Ingram this past season, and the two sides have struggled to reach an agreement in early contract extension negotiations, coupled with the conflict between Ingram and the team's head coach Willie Green, the Pelicans management is increasingly likely to send Ingram away this summer. As for the current Pelicans, they are more interested in completing an early contract extension with Murphy, and are not willing to offer Ingram a four-year, $208 million contract.
The 26-year-old Ingram is currently under a five-year, $158 million contract extension with the Pelicans in 202, which expires at the end of next season, and the Pelicans will be able to extend Ingram's contract this summer, with a new contract of up to four years and $208 million. For Ingram, he believes that he is still the top star in the league, and he will not sign without a maximum salary. And the Pelicans, after losing for several seasons in a row, are clearly not willing to offer Ingram such a big contract. Due to the gap in contract renewal salaries between the two sides, the early contract extension has reached an impasse, and Ingram has also taken the initiative to apply for a trade, and the countdown to leave the team has also begun.
While Ingram isn't a great leader, there's no doubt about his individual qualities. Known as "Little Durant", Ingram has an extremely rich offensive means and physical talents, which also makes him often comfortable on the offensive end. In addition, Ingram is also very well-rounded, with good ball handling and playmaking skills. Despite his limited contribution on the defensive end and his physical attributes, Ingram has what it takes to be a great second or third leader. If it weren't for the Pelicans' big man Zion, who is also prone to injuries, this Pelicans team should have a better future.
After frequent rumors of Ingram's departure, the trade market has also begun to stir. According to the latest news, once the Pelicans officially put Ingram on the shelf, it will arouse the interest of at least as many as five teams, including the Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Heat, and Pistons, who are extremely interested in getting Ingram. The Magic and Warriors, in particular, have a strong desire to strengthen after the end of the season, but the Pelicans' asking price for Ingram is bound to be high.
Which team do you think Ingram is more suitable for now?