Jalen Brunson's massive pay cut leaves Brandon Ingram's future bleak
Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram have zero direct correlation with each other. However, Brunson's recent contract extension could severely impact the future of Brandon Ingram, both in New Orleans and financially. Brunson's decision to sacrifice one of the biggest contracts in league history comes with good intentions and championship aspirations. His decision stunned the league, its fans, and players. However, Brunson's deal could dictate future contract negotiations for fellow players.
In a largely unprecedented financial concession to give roster flexibility to a contender, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has agreed on a four-year, $156.5 million extension, his agent Sam Rose of CAA tells ESPN --- $113M less guaranteed than he’s eligible to receive in one… pic.twitter.com/DDJvz7TUlr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2024
One of those players Brunson's deal could severely impact is Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. Set to enter the 2024-25 season on an expiring contract, Ingram is interested in a long-term extension to secure the biggest contract of his NBA career thus far. While Ingram would like to sign that contract extension in New Orleans with the Pelicans, the anticipation surrounding Ingram and a potential trade only continues to grow. Brunson's contract could derail Ingram's ability to get a deal in New Orleans.
The financial sacrifice by Brunson becomes arguably the largest pay cut in not only league history, but sports history. Leaving $113 million on the table, Brunson's decision to take a contract extension (still lucrative one) with the Knicks was driven by one sole goal: A championship for the Knicks. Few players have ever sacrificed money the way Brunson did, but each of them won championships, while becoming amongst their sport's elite. Think Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes.
The deal --- which will cost Brunson $37.1M over the next three years --- comes with a fourth-year player option, Rose said, and that would set up Brunson to recoup the rest of the $113M on a four-year, $323M extension in 2028 or a new five year, $418M deal in 2029.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2024
After trading for Mikal Bridges, the Knicks have a loaded group consisting of star power, elite two-way specialists, and unheard-of team chemistry. As one of the league's best teams, Brunson's deal gives the Knicks the necessary flexibility to win a championship and continue to improve the roster. Yet, Brunson may not be the lone Knick to sacrifice his own generational wealth for the betterment of team success. Bridges reportedly could do the same for New York, potentially starting a league trend.
Brandon Ingram's leverage is disintegrating
Ingram's quest to a $200 million could fall short after Brunson's latest contract. Add in the potential Bridges' pay cut and Ingram would lose any and all leverage with the Pelicans to reach an agreement.
Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin acknowledged the various scenarios regarding Ingram in a recent interview on Sirius XM NBA Radio. WIth mentions of the new league CBA, their desire to keep Ingram, and Ingram's desire to remain in New Orleans, a trade doesn't appear imminent.
"And so, for now, we're going to play it out. I think we're committed to each other. I think we're committed to seeing if this team can work in a way that makes it make sense."
- Pelicans executive VP David Griffin
Another caveat surrounding Ingram is his trade market or lack thereof. While several teams could pose as suitors for Ingram next season, most teams are either financially incapable of acquiring Ingram or found more realistic options to fill their needs. Examples of this would include Sacramento and Philadelphia, teams who found their pieces elsewhere. Atlanta, Houston, and Charlotte all expressed interest, but are unlikely to seriously inquire about Ingram for several reasons.
Cleveland and Golden State pose as viable options for Ingram, but Cleveland feels less likely to move any of their 'Core Four' for former All-Star thanks Donovan Mitchell's extension and Kenny Atkinson's hire in Cleveland. Golden State has put all their marbles into acquiring Utah's Lauri Markkanen, a better and younger player than Ingram. With Ingram also in need of a contract extension, his status as a 'one-year rental' drives his trade price down. As it stands, Ingram will be a Pelican next season.
The question around Ingram is if he's still a max player in the new CBA. In the past, teams could dish out money with fewer consequences. But in the new era of NBA basketball, financially smart teams will benefit the most over the rest of the league. Ingram appears likely to remain with New Orleans, but will he be part of their core, or will he become a sacrificial lamb in the 'new' NBA?
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