Wrong for rejecting $160M? NFL legend makes case for Brandon Ingram’s controversial decision

Shannon Sharpe believes that Brandon Ingram's decision to take a pay cut to stay in Toronto is indicative of larger issues for Pelicans.

Wrong for rejecting $160M? NFL legend makes case for Brandon Ingram’s controversial decision

Shannon Sharpe reacts to Brandon Ingram declining $160 million contract

Brandon Ingram’s decision to turn down a four-year, $160 million extension from the New Orleans Pelicans raised plenty of eyebrows. The 27-year-old forward had been a key piece for the franchise, but instead of securing a long-term deal, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors. The move left many, including NFL legend Shannon Sharpe, wondering: Why did Ingram reject nearly $40 million?

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Brandon Ingram and the Toronto Raptors had agreed to a three-year $120 million deal. What is baffling is that his reported contract offer by the Pelicans would have paid him significantly more than the contract he later signed with Toronto. This decision prompted ‘Nightcap’ podcast host Chad Ochocinco Johnson to question Ingram’s intentions, which led to Shannon Sharpe’s speculative answer about the possible cause.

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Because he wants to win… Who wants to be there? You see Zion. You think Zion want to be in New Orleans? I mean, hold on. Did Anthony Davis want to be in New Orleans? So I’m just trying to figure out the players that they’ve had that wanted to be there. Yet you say you can’t understand why?

Shannon Sharpe said on the show

Sharpe brought up the cultural issues within the New Orleans Pelicans organization, which has been a cause of concern of late. The team has been short of success despite some strong putting up some strong rosters over the years, featuring stars like Ingram, Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis. However, Davis’ departure in 2019 and Williamson’s poor work ethic seem to be why Sharpe doubts the team’s winning culture.

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As for Brandon Ingram, although both contracts offered to him are of the same value on a yearly basis, securing $40 million in guaranteed money for an injury-riddled player like himself would seem like the ideal move to the naked eye. However, the ‘Slenderman’ seems to have his own reasons for sticking around in Toronto.

Brandon Ingram reveals why he Is motivated to stay with the Raptors

Brandon Ingram hasn’t just accepted the move to Toronto, but he has openly embraced it, especially after signing a long-term extension with the team. Prior to his trade, reports suggested that Toronto was actually one of his preferred destinations, along with Atlanta. Speaking at his introductory press conference, Ingram made it clear that he sees this as an opportunity for a reset.

First thing that I heard [from the Raptors] is they want to make me an All-Star again and I’m going to be a big part of what they do moving forward. I want to come here and learn. I want to come here and be a sponge, shift the culture, make it a winning culture and come in here and just listen. Do whatever coach needs me to do and go out and try to be an example every single day.

Brandon Ingram told reporters

Ingram’s tenure in New Orleans was productive individually but lacked team success. Since arriving via the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade in 2019, Ingram blossomed into an All-Star and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2020. He averaged over 20 points per game consistently, but his health continuously failed him, making him unable to spend much time on the court over the last few seasons.

Toronto is betting on Brandon Ingram to be a centerpiece of their rebuild. Despite his injury history, he remains one of the most versatile scoring forwards in the league. Ingram is one of just six players alongside stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to average at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in each of the past four seasons.