Brandon Ingram Signs $120M Raptors Extension Before Debut

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Brandon Ingram Signs $120M Raptors Extension Before Debut \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Brandon Ingram has agreed to a three-year, $120 million extension with the Toronto Raptors before even playing a game for the team. The deal comes less than a week after Toronto acquired Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade involving Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and future draft picks. Despite being sidelined for two months with an ankle injury, the Raptors secured the 2020 All-Star as part of their long-term plans.

Brandon Ingram’s Raptors Extension: Quick Looks

$120M Extension Secured: Brandon Ingram signs a three-year, $120 million extension with the Raptors before playing a game for the team.
Trade Finalized Last Week: Toronto acquired Ingram from the Pelicans on February 6, sending Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and future draft picks to New Orleans.
Still Recovering From Injury: Ingram has been sidelined for two months with a sprained left ankle, but Toronto locked him in long-term.
Proven Star Power: Averaging 23.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.2 APG, Ingram has scored at least 20 points per game for six straight seasons.
Key Piece for Raptors’ Future: Toronto sees Ingram as a core player alongside Scottie Barnes, solidifying their long-term rebuild strategy.
Avoiding Free Agency Risk: By extending Ingram now, the Raptors eliminate uncertainty and prevent him from testing free agency in 2025.
Next Steps: Ingram will focus on rehabbing his ankle and integrating into the Raptors’ system alongside Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley.

Deep Look: Raptors Secure Brandon Ingram With $120 Million Extension

The Toronto Raptors have made a bold commitment to Brandon Ingram, signing the newly acquired forward to a three-year, $120 million contract extension before he has even played a game for the franchise. The deal, finalized on Tuesday, comes less than a week after Toronto traded for Ingram, underscoring their belief in his long-term fit within the team’s evolving roster.

Despite Ingram being sidelined for two months with a sprained left ankle, the Raptors moved quickly to secure him as a core piece of their future, betting on his proven scoring ability and playmaking skills to help lead their next era.

A High-Stakes Trade and Immediate Extension

The Raptors acquired Ingram on February 6 in a blockbuster deal that sent Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. While some speculated that Toronto might wait to see Ingram on the court before committing to an extension, the front office wasted no time, opting to lock in the 26-year-old forward for the next three seasons.

His agency, Klutch Sports Group, confirmed the extension via social media, congratulating Ingram on securing a deal that reaffirms his standing as one of the league’s premier offensive players.

The move is a clear indication that Toronto sees Ingram as a foundational piece alongside Scottie Barnes, reinforcing their long-term vision for the franchise. The team is in the midst of a retooling phase following trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, and Ingram is now positioned to be one of the central figures leading the new-look Raptors.

Why the Raptors Committed to Ingram

Ingram has been one of the NBA’s most consistent scorers and playmakers in recent years. Across six straight seasons, he has averaged at least 20 points per game, demonstrating his ability to carry an offense. His career averages of 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists highlight his well-rounded game.

Toronto’s decision to extend him before seeing him play in their system speaks volumes about their confidence in his abilities.

Key reasons why the Raptors made this move:

Elite Scoring Ability: Ingram has a smooth offensive game, capable of scoring at all three levels. His mid-range efficiency, ability to create shots, and strong perimeter shooting make him a perfect fit in Toronto’s offense.
Proven Playmaker: While primarily known as a scorer, Ingram has developed into a solid facilitator, averaging over five assists per game in the last three seasons. He can take pressure off Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, giving Toronto multiple playmakers.
Veteran Leadership for a Young Core: The Raptors are building around Barnes, Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Adding a proven All-Star-caliber player like Ingram gives them an experienced leader in his prime.
Avoiding Free Agency Risk: Had Toronto waited to extend Ingram, they would have risked him testing free agency in 2025. Securing him now ensures the team has stability and a clear direction moving forward.

From Lakers to Pelicans to Raptors: Ingram’s Journey

Ingram has already had a well-traveled NBA career, playing for three teams before turning 27.

Drafted No. 2 Overall by the Lakers (2016): Seen as a future star, he showed flashes of brilliance but was part of the blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis to L.A. in 2019.
Breakout Years in New Orleans (2019-2024): Ingram elevated his game with the Pelicans, earning NBA Most Improved Player honors in 2020 and making his first All-Star appearance the same year. He became one of the league’s most reliable offensive threats, averaging at least 22 points per game over five seasons.
Traded to Toronto (2024): After New Orleans shifted focus to Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans saw Ingram as expendable and dealt him to Toronto, where he is now expected to be a primary scoring option.

What’s Next for Ingram and the Raptors?

Injury Recovery & Return Timeline

Ingram has been out since December with a sprained left ankle.
Toronto will likely take a cautious approach to his return, ensuring he is 100% healthy before integrating him into the lineup.

Fitting Into the Raptors’ System

With Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby gone, Ingram will take on a major offensive role alongside Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.
He will add much-needed shot creation and complement Toronto’s young, athletic core.

Potential Additional Moves

With Ingram secured, Toronto may explore further trades or free agency moves to build a more competitive roster around him and Barnes.
The 2024-25 season will be a critical test of how well Ingram fits into Toronto’s long-term plans.

Final Thoughts: A High-Risk, High-Reward Move

The Raptors’ early extension of Brandon Ingram is a bold move that signals their commitment to building a competitive team around him and Scottie Barnes. While his injury raises some concerns, Toronto is betting big on his talent and long-term fit.

By locking in a proven star before he even plays a game, the Raptors have stabilized their roster and avoided the uncertainty of free agency. Now, all eyes will be on how Ingram performs once he returns to the court—and whether he can help lead Toronto back to playoff contention.