After months of speculation about their future direction, the Toronto Raptors pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal, acquiring All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. In return, the Pelicans received Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick.
Ingram’s arrival gives the Raptors a much-needed offensive weapon, a player capable of creating his own shot while also setting up teammates. At 27 years old, he’s entering his prime and brings proven scoring to a team looking to reestablish itself in the Eastern Conference.
After completing the trade and meeting their new star in person, the Raptors wasted no time securing Ingram as part of their long-term future with a nine-figure contract extension.
Toronto Raptors Commit to Brandon Ingram With $120 Million Extension
On Feb. 11, the Raptors announced they had agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with Ingram, according to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, signals Toronto’s full commitment to making Ingram a cornerstone of their franchise alongside Scottie Barnes.
“They wanted to find another playmaker… and they found that in Brandon Ingram around Scottie Barnes,” Charania said after reporting the news on an NBA on ESPN segment.
"They wanted to find another playmaker … they found that in Brandon Ingram around Scottie Barnes." 👀 @ShamsCharania on Brandon Ingram signing a 3-yr, $120M extension with the Toronto Raptors. pic.twitter.com/47EPIspHLa
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA)
For the Raptors, this move is as much about the present as it is about the future.
Ingram immediately steps in as one of the most skilled offensive players the franchise has had since Kawhi Leonard’s departure in 2019. He gives Toronto a legitimate go-to scorer, something they’ve lacked since Pascal Siakam was traded.
Ingram’s ability to handle the ball and create offense should ease some of the pressure on Barnes, allowing the young star to continue developing without shouldering the entire offensive workload.
The Bigger Picture for the Raptors
Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game last season with New Orleans. He’s a three-level scorer who can hit mid-range jumpers, attack the rim, and knock down threes at a mid-to-high 30% rate. More importantly, he gives Toronto another playmaker — someone who can break down defenses and make things easier for teammates who sometimes struggle to create their own shots.
Ingram’s fit next to Barnes will be one of the most intriguing aspects of this move. Barnes thrives with the ball in his hands, and while Ingram is also a high-usage player, his ability to play off the ball and score in isolation gives head coach Darko Rajaković the flexibility to stagger their minutes or run actions where both players can create.
If the chemistry between them clicks, the Raptors could suddenly have one of the most dynamic wing duos in the East.
Toronto’s front office sent a clear message when they got Ingram: they aren’t rebuilding — they’re retooling.
After parting ways with Siakam and OG Anunoby last season, some expected the Raptors to take a step back. Instead, they’ve made a series of moves designed to keep them competitive, and the Ingram extension further solidifies that vision.
The question now is how much this move actually elevates them in a loaded Eastern Conference.