Raptors see Ingram trade as ‘incremental step’ in rebuild, says GM Bobby Webster
The Toronto Raptors made a surprising move on Thursday, trading for Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. This unexpected trade involved sending a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and veterans Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to the Pelicans in exchange for the pending free agent.
The Raptors, currently sitting at 13th in the Eastern Conference, raised some eyebrows with this trade, as it seemed to go against the typical strategy of rebuilding teams. However, general manager Bobby Webster defended the move, stating that it is just one step in their rebuilding process.
Webster also mentioned that the team is already in talks with Ingram’s agent about a contract extension, indicating that the forward is interested in staying with the Raptors long-term. Ingram himself expressed excitement about the change of scenery and the opportunity to contribute to the team’s development.
Despite his injury history, with just 18 games played this season, the Raptors are confident in Ingram’s abilities and work ethic. His scoring ability and fit alongside players like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett make him a valuable addition to the team.
In addition to acquiring Ingram, the Raptors made other moves on deadline day, including trading Davion Mitchell to the Miami Heat for P.J. Tucker and acquiring James Wiseman from the Indiana Pacers. These moves signal a shift in focus towards developing young talent and building for the future.
As the Raptors continue their rebuilding process, they are also keeping an eye on the upcoming draft, with a strong 2025 class in mind. Despite concerns about the impact of the trade on their draft lottery odds, Webster is confident in the team’s ability to identify and select top talent in future drafts.
Overall, the trade for Brandon Ingram represents a strategic move by the Raptors as they look to build a competitive team for the future. With a focus on developing young talent and making smart roster decisions, the Raptors are positioning themselves for success in the long run.
