Brandon Ingram trade grades: Who won the Raptors - Pelicans deal?

This is one of the most exciting NBA trade deadlines in recent memory and yet another deal broke with Brandon Ingram heading to the Raptors.

After spending several years with the Pelicans as a centerpiece return for New Orleans in the original Anthony Davis blockbuster, Ingram will now play for his third professional franchise.

Toronto did not give up a tremendous amount to land his services, though realistically, this is not exactly the most logical trade for their front office either.

Here is what you need to know about the deal for both sides:

Trade details 

Raptors get: Brandon Ingram

Pelicans get: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, first-round pick (2026 NOP), second-round pick

Toronto Raptors

There is some school of thought that if you get the better player, you win the trade. This is not necessarily an example of that happening.

Ingram is not the same player he was when he made the NBA All-Star team and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2020. But once he is healthy again, he is also potentially good enough to help Toronto win more games, which hurts their ability to get a better pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The incentive to get Ingram makes some sense if they feel they can get him on a discounted deal when he hits free agency at the conclusion of this year.

Perhaps the change of scenery is exactly what Ingram needed for a fresh start to regain his productivity. He is talented and he could make for an interesting fit next to Scottie Barnes.

But if the Raptors end up paying him higher than market value, he probably isn’t enough of a star to make it worth that price. Simply put, this deal does not make a ton of sense.

Grade: C+

New Orleans Pelicans

This is a great deal for the Pelicans as the front office likely decided they no longer wished to have Ingram as part of their long-term plans.

His presence once he returns to full health would have probably stood in the way of their chances to lose more games and thus have better odds of getting a top pick, like Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper.

So rather than lose him for nothing, they get the expiring contract of Bruce Brown that will come off the books and a relatively affordable deal for Kelly Olynyk that will expire after next season.

But the real prize is not paying Ingram while also gaining another first-round pick in the process, even if a first-rounder from the Pacers is not worth a ton.

Grade: A-