Summary

Ingram had about as good of a contract year as he could have hoped for, as he made his first All-Star appearance, showed significant growth in his ability to create efficient shots for himself, and put away doubts about his health that existed a year ago. Perhaps even more importantly, he showed an improved three point shot that makes him a legitimate off-ball threat next to Zion Williamson.

 

In his first three seasons combined, Ingram shot under 34% from three on 375 attempts. This past season alone, Ingram shot 39% on 347 attempts before the season was suspended. Ingram also continued his high efficiency in the midrange and at the rim, while improving his free throw shooting from 68% in '18-'19 to 86% this past season. At only 22 years old, there should be heavy optimism about Ingram's future.

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Cap Considerations

Ingram will be a restricted free agent with a $21.8 million cap hold and a $9.5 million Qualifying Offer. Ingram's QO will not come into play, as he will either sign a max contract with the Pelicans or get a max offer sheet from another team, so Ingram settling for the QO is near certain not to happen. The only question is how long of a max contract Ingram wants to sign, and if the Pelicans will try to get Ingram to forego having a player option on the final year of the contract.

 

If the Pelicans operate under the salary cap, they will keep Ingram's cap hold on the books, use their cap space to sign free agents, then use Bird Rights to re-sign Ingram.

 

For other teams, Ingram will be looking for a four-year max offer sheet with a player option on the fourth year and a 15% trade bonus, and the Pelicans would be likely to still match that offer.