Duke Basketball Product Risks Millions by Delaying Contract Talks

With two years remaining on his contract, former Duke basketball star and current New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is eligible for a veteran extension this offseason. But according to a report from NOLA.com's Christian Clark this week, the 26-year-old plans to wait until next year.

The 2020 All-Star has never been an All-NBA selection. However, in light of Ingram being in his prime and posting a career-high 24.7 points and 5.8 assists per game last season (his fourth year with the Pelicans and seventh as a pro since getting drafted No. 2 overall in 2016), it's not ridiculous to think he could be one next go-round.

And that may be precisely what he's aiming for by holding off on talks about an extension.

On Wednesday, Hoops Rumors' Luke Adams broke down what Ingram stands to gain financially via another productive campaign, suggesting the wait has nothing to do with the NBA Blue Devil's happiness level in New Orleans:

"Ingram's decision isn't related to his desire to remain in New Orleans long-term — he'll simply be eligible for a more lucrative extension next offseason than he is now, particularly if he makes an All-NBA team...

"He could sign a three-year extension this offseason that could be worth up to...about $160MM. [Next year], his maximum extension would increase to a projected $221MM for four years...If he makes an All-NBA team and becomes eligible for a super-max contract, his maximum extension would jump to $334MM for five years."

So, even if Brandon Ingram falls short of All-NBA honors, he could secure substantially more by waiting.

However, that's assuming things go relatively smoothly for him in 2023-24. A subpar year, especially if injury-related, could cost him tens of millions compared to what he'd likely get if he inked an extension now.

2 MINS of sick BRANDON INGRAM highlights 🔥

HBD @B_Ingram13 pic.twitter.com/zooo9BiegW
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 2, 2023

Furthermore, it's worth noting a new requirement for All-NBA eligibility is that a player sees action in at least 65 regular season games. Thus far, the injury-prone Ingram has only once exceeded that threshold; that was back in his rookie year.

Brandon Ingram is one of two former Duke basketball one-and-done talents on the Pelicans' 2023-24 roster. The other, of course, is two-time All-Star forward Zion Williamson, looking to show off his seemingly more chiseled physique and remain injury-free after playing only 29 games last season.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.