The Toronto Raptors' aesthetically unpleasing comeback road win against the Los Angeles Clippers lacked the star power many fans expected, as both Kawhi Leonard and Brandon Ingram sat this game out with various ailments. Ingram was at least in the building, and he was warmly received by his old teammates.
After the Raptors sent their well wishes to former first-round pick Gradey Dick, who was also sent to LA as a byproduct of the Leonard trade, a group led by Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett swarmed a plainclothes-wearing Ingram to show their appreciation for what he brought to the Toronto locker room.
Even though Ingram was only in Toronto for one season, his play more than justified the swing Bobby Webster took on him. Trading him for a player of Leonard's caliber was a no-brainer, and it seems like the move didn't blunt the mutual admiration BI and his old teammates had for one another.
Toronto Raptors celebrate with Brandon Ingram after road win vs. Clippers
After years of languishing with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Raptors traded for Ingram at the 2025 trade deadline and proceeded to sign him to a three-year contract extension. Toronto was desperately craving some half-court scoring to take pressure off Scottie Barnes, and Ingram delivered.
Playing in 77 regular season games after managing just 18 the prior year, Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while being named an All-Star for the second time in his career. However, after a poor, injury-limited playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ingram became expendable.
Ingram, in all likelihood, would have been back with the Raptors had a player of Leonard's caliber not expressed interest in signing a long-term extension in Toronto. The only issue Ingram may have is being sent to a team that is going to find it tough to get off the mat, whereas Toronto has cracked open a contention window after they brought Kawhi back.
Former Toronto Raptors All-Star Brandon Ingram has yet to play for the Clippers
The Clippers, who will send their first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to the Paul George trade and will be out multiple first-rounders as part of their punishment for the Leonard Aspiration scandal, have started out the season 1-6. Ingram has yet to suit up for his new team as he recovers from heel surgery to fix a partially torn Achilles.
While the Clippers have some pieces worth developing, as Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland could make for an interesting backcourt of the future alongside Ingram at the small forward spot, LA will need to dig out from the wreckage of their punishment while the Raptors try to move forward with an earnest title push.
Raptors fans will always stay loyal to players who want to come to Canada and give it their all. Ingram was not a perfect player, but he worked his butt off and had a tremendous season with Toronto, and that built-up equity will likely earn him cheers when he returns in a few months.
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