The Toronto Raptors have made their move. After months of speculation about the team’s direction, Masai Ujiri and the front office have struck a bold deal to acquire All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. This move signals Toronto’s commitment to staying competitive in the Eastern Conference, despite being in the midst of a retooling phase.
For the Pelicans, this marks the end of an era. Ingram, once the centerpiece of New Orleans’ rebuild following the Anthony Davis trade, is now on his way to Canada as the team looks to reshape its roster around Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum. The deal provides New Orleans with much-needed flexibility and additional draft capital, while the Raptors add a high-level scorer to their core.
Breaking Down the Brandon Ingram Trade
According to ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania, the full trade details are as follows:
Toronto Raptors receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick, and one second-round pick
Breaking: 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. pic.twitter.com/tI4jo2cYhM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
At first glance, the trade appears to be a win-win for both franchises. The Raptors, struggling to find a go-to offensive star after trading Pascal Siakam, add a dynamic wing in Ingram, who has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the last six seasons. His ability to create his own shot, facilitate offense, and play multiple positions makes him an ideal fit alongside Scottie Barnes.
For the Pelicans, moving on from Ingram was always going to be a difficult decision, but this deal allows them to add depth, draft assets, and financial flexibility without his hefty contract. Brown and Olynyk provide immediate help in the short-term, while the draft picks give them ammunition for future moves. It’s also possible they could flip Brown and Olynyk prior to Thursday’s deadline for additional assets.
What This Means for the Toronto Raptors
Ingram brings a much-needed scoring punch to a Raptors team that has lacked offensive firepower. While Barnes has emerged as the franchise cornerstone, the Raptors needed another elite shot-creator to complement his game. Ingram provides that and much more with one of the most diverse offensive arsenals in the NBA.
Toronto’s front office has been reluctant to commit to a full rebuild, instead opting for a retooling strategy. This move aligns with that vision — bringing in an All-Star talent without completely sacrificing the future. With Ingram in the mix, the Raptors now have a strong foundation with Barnes, Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, and R.J. Barrett, giving them a chance to remain competitive in the East while still developing their young core.
New Orleans Pelicans’ New Direction
For New Orleans, parting ways with Ingram signals a shift in philosophy. While he was a key piece of their roster, the front office may have felt that his fit alongside Williamson had reached its ceiling.
In return, they acquire Brown, a proven two-way player with championship experience, and Olynyk, a versatile big man who can stretch the floor.
The biggest prize for New Orleans, however, will likely be the draft picks they received. By adding a first-round pick and a second-round pick, the Pelicans now have more flexibility to make additional moves and reshape their roster around Zion and McCollum.
It will be interesting to see if New Orleans has any other moves up their sleeve prior to Thursday’s deadline.
