The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are neck-and-neck when it comes to a Brandon Ingram trade, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
The Raptors have been heavily linked to the New Orleans Pelicans star and seem to be close to striking a deal.
“League sources say Toronto and Atlanta are neck-and-neck in their pursuit of the 27-year-old former All-Star. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see an Ingram deal go down tonight,” Amick said.
According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, the Raptors and Pelicans have talked about an Ingram deal centred on Bruce Brown’s $23 million expiring contract and Chris Boucher’s $10.8 million expiring deal. Grange reports that the Raptors would have to attach some kind of draft capital for Ingram’s bird rights.
If the Pelicans take on this kind of deal it would help them shed salary and dip below the luxury tax. For the Raptors it would push them into the luxury tax as Ingram is due for a new deal this summer.
The Raptors are reportedly looking to add a “significant piece” to pair with Scottie Barnes according to Grange. Therefore, this could be an opportunity to get a former All-Star for a low cost.
One concern about Ingram is his durability. He has been out for most of this season with a sprained left ankle and hasn’t played more than 65 games since his rookie season.
The Raptors are in year one of their rebuild but Masai Ujiri is never a stranger when it comes to making a big splash when the opportunity arises.
Brandon Ingram sweepstakes coming down to Raptors & Hawks
It was reported earlier that the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are the frontrunners to acquire Brandon Ingram, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
