At the start of the season, the New Orleans Pelicans seemed optimistic. It was bound to be a big year, with a contract extension decision looming for Brandon Ingram, their veteran forward. The aim was to assess their flattering young core, with Zion Williamson returning in peak physical condition. However, so far, injuries pushed them to become the last seed in the West with the second-worst record in the league.

Currently, Williamson is out indefinitely after a chronic hamstring injury hit him once again. Additionally, all of Dejounte Murray, McCollum, Ingram, and Herb Jones have missed games because of injuries. It leaves a major dilemma in front of them. For a team that has never paid luxury tax, do they risk being in the second apron next season with their current core?

Given their place in the league thus far, the Pelicans seem far away from competing. Hence, it’s unlikely for the franchise to bring back the same roster. That leaves room for action. They need to shed a major contract to fill out their roster and the only choices are between Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. According to Shams Charania, despite his injury history, the Pels aren’t budging away from their generational prospect.

“Right now, the Pelicans have no intention of waiving Zion Williamson. Their number one objective is to get him back on the court and build the right support around him,” the renowned insider reported.

Given the organization’s extension secured for Trey Murphy III in the offseason, it leaves two alternatives. Either the Pelicans extend their leading scorer and pay the punitive second apron tax. Secondly, they can trade Ingram’s contract and open up space to fill out their roster in the future.

Many feel the latter is the way to go, including Lakers podcaster Sean Davis, who has also dwindled CJ McCollum’s name in these conversations. Yet, what’s the way to go?

Brandon Ingram might not finish the season with the Pelicans as they decide to keep Zion Williamson

BI, considered a skillful wing scorer, is among the most consistent players for the Pelicans. However, while it’s not as extreme as Zion Williamson, the 27-year-old has also had problems, with staying healthy only having played over 65 games once in his career. That could be among the reasons for the Pelicans to stick with Williamson in hopes that being younger provides him a longer time to find a cure to his injury plague.

Additionally, with Murphy making close to $30 million from next season onwards, the Pelicans seem to have made up their mind about him becoming the starting forward soon. Now, the real riddle occurs. BI wants to stay in New Orleans and reports claimed he would play out his final season with the franchise.

But can the former Laker do so?

With him becoming an unrestricted free agent next season, the Pelicans could lose Ingram for nothing in return. Yes, it would replace the troubles of discarding the salary of their books. Yet, that comes with its complications. If they look for a sign-and-trade next season, it transfers the leverage to the team they would want to cut a deal with.

Moreover, if they get him off this season in exchange for some draft capital and expiring contracts, it could open up their roster and invite appropriate changes for next season. The trade deadline is when the Pelicans are likely to set their sights on offloading Brandon Ingram. BI has also switched agencies recently, joining Klutch Sports, further solidifying the rumors about his departure. While in the past, their efforts didn’t work, maybe they will be willing to bend themselves this time around.

Do you think Brandon Ingram remains a Pelican till the end of this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.