The Pelicans trade Brandon Ingram to the Raptors in a surprising move. See who wins and loses in this NBA blockbuster deal.
The NBA trade market is heating up even before the deadline!
With Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, Khris Middleton, and Jimmy Butler already moved, the New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move by sending Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors late Wednesday night.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the deal, which also sends Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to New Orleans. But how does this trade impact both teams and the players involved? Let’s break down the winners and losers of the deal.
Breaking: The New Orleans Pelicans have traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick and one second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/tI4jo2cYhM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Winner: New Orleans Pelicans
At first glance, some might question why the Pelicans traded their top scorer for Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk—two players unlikely to be part of their long-term plans.
- Brown is on an expiring deal and could even be a buyout candidate before the deadline.
- Olynyk, with a $13.4 million salary in 2025-26, could be flipped later for more assets.
However, the key to this trade is the draft picks New Orleans acquired.
Ingram’s contract situation made it unlikely that a team would trade for him as a rental and then re-sign him in free agency. The Pelicans knew the chances of keeping him were low, so getting valuable draft assets instead of losing him for nothing is a win.
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Loser: Toronto Raptors
On paper, the Raptors are building a versatile team by pairing Ingram with Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. But does the trade really help them?
Three major concerns for Toronto:
- No Reliable Shooters: Ingram, Barnes, and Barrett all struggle with high-volume three-point shooting. Adding center Jakob Poeltl to the mix could create serious spacing issues.
- Too Many Ball Handlers: How will they split on-ball responsibilities with Immanuel Quickley also needing touches?
- A Confusing Direction: The Raptors should be rebuilding and improving their lottery odds, not giving up draft picks for a mid-range scorer with defensive concerns.
Will Ingram Even Stay?
Ingram can leave in free agency this summer and will likely demand more than $36 million per year. If Toronto re-signs him, they risk staying stuck in the lower half of the East for years.
This trade feels like a short-term gamble with long-term consequences.
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Winner: Brandon Ingram
For Ingram, this trade provides a fresh start.
- His relationship with the Pelicans had clearly soured.
- Even though Toronto isn’t a contender, a change of scenery could help his motivation.
Also, he’s entering free agency soon. If he plays well, he can increase his value. Even if he struggles, Toronto might feel pressured to re-sign him rather than lose him for nothing.
Either way, Ingram wins.
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Losers (For Now): Bruce Brown & Kelly Olynyk
For Brown and Olynyk, this trade isn’t ideal—at least not yet.
- Toronto was already struggling, but now they’re joining a team shifting towards a rebuild.
- Brown hasn’t replicated his success from playing alongside Nikola Jokić in Denver but still offers valuable versatility.
- Olynyk is one of the NBA’s most consistent three-point shooting bigs and a solid playmaker.
If the Pelicans trade them again before the deadline, they could end up on a contender. But for now, they are stuck in a limbo between a rebuild and an uncertain future.
The Pelicans made a smart long-term move by getting draft picks instead of losing Ingram for nothing. Meanwhile, Toronto’s decision to trade for an inconsistent, soon-to-be-free-agent forward raises serious questions.
Brandon Ingram gets a fresh start, but for Brown and Olynyk, their next move is uncertain.
With the trade deadline still ahead, will the Pelicans flip their new assets for more pieces? And will Toronto regret this move in the long run?
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