Grading the Raptors-Pelicans Trade that Involved Brandon Ingram, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk
February 8th, 2025
By Alan Lu
Another surprise trade was made recently, as the New Orleans Pelicans traded away former NBA All-Star Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 1st Round Pick (via Indiana, top 4 protected) and a 2031 second round pick (via Toronto). Toronto was willing to give up draft picks to get Brandon Ingram, even though the Raptors are far away from playoff contention. So, who were the winners of this trade? I will break this trade down to examine the details of this deal, to see who came out on top.
The Toronto Raptors traded away Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and a couple of draft picks to get former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram in a blockbuster trade that was made recently. (Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press, via GulfLive.com)
The Toronto Raptors Received:
Ingram is the best player in this deal, and he is a 27-year old, very skilled forward that has strong scoring and playmaking skills, as he is very good with the ball in his hands. However, he’s played just 18 games as he is currently out due to an ankle injury, and the Pelicans were a woeful 12-39 this year, as their players had a lot of trouble staying healthy this year. Ingram will need to stay healthy and improve his defense, but he should be able to be a good piece alongside Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett to help the Raptors in the future.
Trade Grade for the Toronto Raptors: B
Bruce Brown is a former NBA champion, as he played with the 2023 Denver Nuggets, and he will help the Pelicans bolster their defense and toughness, and he will give them a solid veteran swingman that will help them in the present and future. (Photo: USATSI, via CBS Sports)
The New Orleans Pelicans Received:
Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, 2026 1st round pick (IND) [Top 4 Protected], 2031 2nd round pick (TOR)
While the Raptors gave away multiple picks to get Ingram, it did not seem as if they gave up enough picks in the process. That said, they get a tough, tenacious defensive guard in Bruce Brown, who will add athleticism, playmaking skills, and a high motor. Kelly Olynyk is an offensively skilled big man that will be a solid role player for the Pelicans. The Pelicans didn’t get enough first round picks back for Ingram, but they did add more draft capital that will help them in the long run.
Trade Grade for the New Orleans Pelicans: B
So overall, here are the trade grades for both of these teams. Also, to see the full details of this trade, you can go to SalarySwish.
Toronto Raptors: B
New Orleans Pelicans: B
All in all, both teams got what they wanted in this deal. Ingram is coming off a bit of a down season and he is currently injured, and the Pelicans didn’t seem to get enough draft picks in this deal, but Brandon Ingram is a very talented forward that will provide scoring and playmaking skills for the Raptors, and the Pelicans get a stable of solid role players and some picks as compensation for their end of this trade. All in all, this was another trade that was made, and it will be interesting to see how the players that were involved in this deal will play as time progresses. Thanks for reading.