New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram has signed with a new agency, Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group. The nine-year veteran has also been mentioned in various NBA trade rumors, as he looks for his next contract.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram signs with Klutch Sports Group, ends deal with Excel Sports Management
Ingram, 27, was previously represented by Excel Sports Management. This comes months after the North Carolina native and the Pelicans did not come to terms on a contract extension or trade before the 2024-25 season.
The 6-foot-8 Ingram was selected No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2016 NBA draft out of Duke. After his first three seasons in 2019, the Lakers traded him to New Orleans in exchange for Anthony Davis.
New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram – currently set to be the top free agent in the 2025 offseason – is signing with Klutch Sports Group, sources told ESPN.
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Ingram was an All-Star in his first season with the Pelicans and then signed a five-year, $158 million max contract with the organization in November 2020. He’s currently in the final season of his multi-year deal.
During the offseason, it was reported that Ingram had asked New Orleans for a four-year, $200 million extension. The Pelicans made it clear then that the team wants him to stay long term.
New Orleans, Klutch Sports may negotiate a new deal for Ingram
However, a “financial reality” complicates the Pelicans and Ingram’s future outlook.
“Brandon wants to stay here. … At the same time, there is a financial reality that we all deal with,” Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin said in late June.
The Pelicans and Klutch Sports will have to negotiate a new deal next summer if Ingram wants to stay put.
Through 16 games (all starts), Ingram is averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 33.7 minutes per contest while shooting 46.5% from the field, 36.4% from 3-point territory, and 83% at the foul line.
The former first-rounder scored a season-high 33 points in New Orleans’ season-opener victory over the Chicago Bulls. He’s currently sidelined right now with right calf soreness.
Ingram has never played more than 64 games in a season with the Pelicans.
