Although he is still sidelined with an ankle injury and has yet to step onto the court for Toronto, the Raptors' front office is fully committed to making Brandon Ingram a key component of their offense moving forward. You don't trade for a player of Ingram's caliber to simply play "what-if" or to experiment with untested strategies. The Raptors are clear about their expectations for Ingram, and Raptors nation is hopeful that he can deliver.
Brandon Ingram is now a key part of the Raptors' vision
Aside from his injury concerns and potential fit issues in Toronto, Ingram was poised to hit free agency this offseason, where he anticipated a new contract to keep him in the Six for the foreseeable future. However, it seems that both the Raptors and Ingram were eager to avoid waiting for free agency to negotiate an extension. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on X:
Ingram was traded by the Pelicans to the Raptors last week — and now arrives in Toronto with a lucrative extension. The new deal shows a commitment on both sides, as the Raptors lock in a shot-creator and offensive force surrounding Scottie Barnes. https://t.co/f0hSu49Pcd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2025
So, a $40 million per year contract will be Ingram's price tag for his tenure in Toronto. At first glance, it may seem high, but it appears the Raptors and Ingram have worked out a team-friendly deal, which includes a player option for the 6-foot-8 forward in the 2027-28 season. Considering that Ingram could have just stayed in New Orleans to pursue a higher salary, his willingness to come to Toronto is a positive indication of his mindset.
Raptors are banking on Brandon Ingram's success
The Raptors will need to hope that Ingram can return to his fringe All-Star form by next year to fully maximize this contract. The deal essentially gives Toronto a two-year (possibly three, with the player-option) window to evaluate how far a core led by Barnes and Ingram can advance in the modern NBA landscape. However, this season still holds great promise for developing young talent, gaining valuable NBA experience, and hopefully securing a top-tier prospect on draft night in June.
Masai Ujiri and the Raptors' front office undoubtedly have ambitious plans, fully committing to accelerating their rebuild. For the time being, with Ingram sidelined, Raptors fans can only hope that he proves to be worth the investment and that team chemistry develops effectively.