The Toronto Raptors have made a trade.
They are finalizing a trade to acquire New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The move will be completed ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. The Raptors have made a significant move to pair a former All-Star alongside Scottie Barnes.
The Raptors were in trade discussions with the Pelicans for weeks and things execrated up until the final moments of the deal. Toronto and the Atlanta Hawks were neck-and-neck for Ingram.
The Pelicans will get back Bruce Brown’s $23 million expiring contract and Kelly Olynyk, who is under contract for one more season. The Raptors are also sending a 2026 first-round pick from the Indiana Pacers, top-four protected, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg and their 2031 second-round pick to the Pelicans.
Ingram has been out with an ankle injury since early December. At full health, he is one of the game’s best scoring forwards. He is averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 37.4 percent from three-point range in 18 games this season. His ability to create his own shot will make him a valuable addition to this Raptors team. He’s also a gifted playmaker.
The move suggests that the Raptors have changed their direction. Instead of being patient and going down a full blown rebuild, they are investing in Barnes now in hopes of competing once again.
Next on tap
The NBA Trade Deadline is approaching at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 6. This figures to be the biggest move the Raptors will make ahead of the deadline. However, they still have expiring contracts in Chris Boucher and Davion Mitchell who they could look to move before the deadline buzzer.
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