The New Orleans Pelicans have struck a deal with the Toronto Raptors as the 2025 trade deadline approaches. After a season plagued by injuries, the Pelicans are sending former All-Star Brandon Ingram north in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and two draft picks.
Here's a breakdown of the deal:
Raptors receive:
Pelicans receive:
- Bruce Brown - Guard
- Kelly Olynyk - Center
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2025 second-round pick
ESPN Reporter Shams Charania was one of the first to report on the deal:
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
Trade Analysis
Ingram has missed 27 games in a row due to an ankle injury while playing for the Pelicans. Before this, he averaged at least 20 points per game for six straight seasons. While he is a 27-year-old 2020 All-Star, many are questioning the rationale behind the trade from the Raptors’ perspective. Let’s take a look at the trade from both sides.
Raptors Trade Value
Brandon Ingram is known for his proficiency in mid-range shooting, hitting between 45-48% of his shots. He is a high-usage player (above 30% in two of the past three seasons), capable of leading offensive possessions. However, the Raptors are struggling this season and are not in immediate contention for a top playoff spot, making the trade an odd move if they were aiming for a play-in spot.
Ingram’s addition doesn’t ruin the Raptors’ tank for a high draft pick in 2025 (likely top-7), though they part with a 2026 first-round pick (via the Pacers), which has some upside. The Raptors should focus on getting blue-chip young players, especially with the 2026 draft looking stacked. This trade may indicate they aren’t fully invested in tanking.
The Raptors' roster is becoming expensive, and the future cost of keeping Ingram will be burdensome, especially with other large contracts (Barnes, Quickley, Barrett).
Grade: C+ – The Raptors added a good player, but the trade raises questions about their long-term plans.
Pelicans Trade Value
Ingram's absence due to injury contributed to the Pelicans' poor performance this season. The team was open to re-signing him, but didn’t want to offer him a max contract for budgetary reasons. Moving on from Ingram clears space for younger players to take on bigger roles.
The Pacers' 2026 first-round pick is the standout asset, and the Pelicans also gain a second-round pick. They hope the Pacers underperform, leading to their first-round pick having a higher position in the draft. Ingram didn’t seem to have a strong trade market, but New Orleans still secured solid value, especially in terms of future assets.
Grade: A- – The Pelicans made a solid move, clearing cap space and getting valuable future picks without losing too much on the court.
What do you think about this trade? Will Ingram help the Raptors make a push for the playoffs, or does it complicate their long-term plans? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your take!
