Brandon Ingram embraces a fresh start with the Toronto Raptors.
OKLAHOMA CITY — As Brandon Ingram addressed the media for the first time as a member of the Toronto Raptors, Immanuel Quickley made his presence felt.
“Welcome to Toronto, Brandon Ingram,” Quickley shouted from the Paycom Center floor, ensuring his greeting was captured on camera and audio. Ingram acknowledged with a subtle nod, signalling the start of a new chapter with the Raptors.
Toronto acquired the former All-Star and Most Improved Player in a trade finalized late Wednesday night. Still adjusting to his new surroundings, Ingram has begun building relationships with teammates, including franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes, whom Ingram described as a “goofball” off the court.
Navigating a New Locker Room
Ingram, known for his reserved demeanour, is stepping into a Raptors squad characterized by youthful energy. When asked whether he would fit into the team’s vibrant atmosphere, the 27-year-old hinted at an emerging dynamic.
“Y’all will see it,” Ingram said quietly. “I haven’t slept much in the last two or three days.”
A Trade Long in the Making
While the trade was completed before the deadline, Ingram had been at the centre of speculation since the Pelicans’ early playoff exit last season. New Orleans executive David Griffin acknowledged that minor roster adjustments were insufficient, signalling a potential shake-up.
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Extending Trey Murphy’s contract and acquiring Dejounte Murray solidified Ingram’s expandability. Despite months of negotiations, a deal did not materialize until Wednesday. Toronto sent a first-round and second-round pick, along with Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown, to New Orleans in exchange for Ingram.
“It wasn’t the first time my name was floating around,” Ingram admitted. “It means (teams are) checking on you; people want you. … I knew that I was gonna move fairly soon, so I just ensured I was around the people I love most and had some good days.”
Financial and On-Court Considerations
Toronto’s front office has a history of acquiring players nearing free agency, as seen with Jakob Poeltl, Quickley, and Olynyk. Raptors general manager Bobby Webster confirmed discussions with Ingram’s representatives at Klutch Sports regarding a contract extension were underway.
Webster emphasized that adding elite talent remains the Raptors’ priority. Due to Ingram’s contract situation and injury history, the franchise viewed his availability as an opportunity to acquire a high-calibre player at an affordable cost.
“He’ll fit in seamlessly,” said Raptors veteran Garrett Temple, who played alongside Ingram for two seasons in New Orleans. “The fact that we could get him without giving up any of our core pieces was awe-inspiring.”
Temple also praised Ingram’s character.
“He’s a great guy, and you can’t say that about many guys in the league, especially All-Star-level players. But BI is that guy. He loves playing the game of basketball.”
Managing Health and Expectations
Ingram has not played since December 7 due to an ankle sprain, and Toronto’s medical staff will conduct its assessment before clearing him for action. The Raptors are in no rush to accelerate his return, opting to ensure he regains full health before stepping onto the court.
Over his tenure with New Orleans, Ingram participated in approximately 69% of regular-season games. While he has avoided recurring injuries, his lengthy frame and playing style have led to various setbacks.
“I’ve been the victim of bad luck,” Ingram said. “It’s just part of playing basketball, working out hard, sometimes not knowing when to get off the floor. I know I’ll get injured again, but hopefully, that trend is over, and I can be on the court a little more.”
A New Beginning in Toronto
Despite the challenges ahead, Ingram is embracing the change with optimism. Though the Raptors’ record is only marginally better than the Pelicans’, the team’s vision for the future resonated with him.
“I was happy about it,” Ingram said, reacting to the trade. “It’s a change for me. Being in New Orleans for 5 ½ years is a change for me.
“A change of scenery can be … good. I thought it was a chance to get out of my element and do something different.”
Raptors’ Roster and Future Considerations
Webster confirmed that P.J. Tucker, included in a separate trade with Miami, will not join Toronto. Additionally, big man Orlando Robinson, currently on his second 10-day contract, faces an uncertain future as the team evaluates roster needs.
If the Raptors re-sign Ingram and extend RJ Barrett in the offseason, their salary commitments will increase significantly. Webster acknowledged that entering the luxury tax might become inevitable, though ownership’s willingness to spend will depend on the team’s competitiveness.
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“I think the one thing that’s changed since ’17, ’18, ’19 is that teams going into the tax can’t all feel like they’re contenders,” Webster said. “Are you going into the tax because you think you can win a title, or are you doing it to make the playoffs or the second round? That’s the balance we need to find.”
Scouting the Future
Despite their recent acquisitions, the Raptors remain focused on the upcoming NBA Draft. Webster and his staff are actively scouting talent, recognizing the depth of this year’s class.
“Scouting these players for several years, I think we have identified this year’s draft as particularly strong at the top, but also throughout,” Webster said. “For us, mission No. 1 now is to travel the world and figure out which of these guys are best for the Raptors.”
While Toronto evaluates its long-term vision, Ingram is prepared to contribute immediately—whenever he takes the court. His arrival signals a roster upgrade and the start of a new era in Toronto basketball.
