According to reporter Shams Charania, the New Orleans Pelicans have been attempting to trade Brandon Ingram, but they have also engaged in contract extension talks with him.
Sources say that Ingram previously requested an annual salary of $50 million in his extension, which is close to the maximum he could earn, but no agreement was reached.
The Pelicans have never been a team that pays luxury tax, and signing Ingram to an expensive extension would not only push them into the luxury tax but also result in fines, further limiting their ability to add to the roster.
The Pelicans discussed trade scenarios with several teams over the summer but did not make any concrete offers. League sources suggest that, given the financial situation, the Pelicans are unlikely to offer Ingram a large, long-term contract, making a trade more likely. However, sources also note that the Pelicans have a high regard for Ingram and are expected to keep the door open for an extension.
Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season.
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