Confirmed! Brandon Ingram Parts Ways with Excel Sports After 8 Years

Brandon Ingram has officially parted ways with Excel Sports, his agency of eight years, marking the end of a long-standing partnership that began in 2016. The split has sent ripples through the basketball world, sparking speculation about Ingram’s next move and his future in the NBA.

Seeking a Bigger Payday

Ingram’s decision to leave Excel Sports appears to be a calculated step toward securing a lucrative new contract in the 2024 offseason. Currently in the final year of his five-year, $158 million contract, he is earning $36.02 million this season. Reports indicate that Ingram is eyeing a deal worth over $200 million, but no team, including his current franchise, the New Orleans Pelicans, has shown any concrete signs of offering such a massive contract.

This season was supposed to be Ingram’s opportunity to prove his worth as a max-contract player. With the Pelicans plagued by injuries to their core players, including Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, Ingram had a chance to step up as the team’s undisputed leader. However, his performances so far have been underwhelming.

A Missed Opportunity

Through the early part of the season, Ingram has averaged:

• 22.9 points per game
• 5.8 rebounds per game
• 5.4 assists per game
• 3.9 turnovers per game

While the scoring output looks respectable on paper, Ingram’s efficiency and overall impact have raised concerns. He is averaging a career-high 19.4 field goal attempts per game, yet his scoring rate is only the third-highest of his career. Essentially, he is scoring just over one point per shot attempt—a metric that falls short of elite standards in today’s NBA.

For comparison, Nikola Jokic, another player averaging close to 19.5 field goal attempts per game, is scoring a staggering 30.3 points per game while maintaining far superior efficiency. Ingram’s struggles with turnovers and decision-making further complicate his case for a max deal.

Age and Market Realities

At 27 years old, Ingram is entering what should be the prime of his career. However, his current performance level suggests he is more of a borderline All-Star than a franchise cornerstone. The market for players in his tier is notoriously tricky, especially for teams wary of committing massive contracts to players who haven’t consistently proven themselves as game-changers.

CAA: A Possible New Home?

One intriguing possibility is that Ingram might sign with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the former representation of his teammate Zion Williamson. CAA has a reputation for negotiating high-value contracts, as evidenced by their work with Paul George this past summer. The agency helped George secure a four-year, $212 million supermax extension with the Philadelphia 76ers despite being 34 years old.

However, George’s case might now serve as a cautionary tale for teams. His performance in Philadelphia has been underwhelming, with averages of:

• 14.9 points per game
• 5.4 rebounds per game
• 4.8 assists per game
• 3.1 turnovers per game
• Shooting splits: 38.3% FG / 27.8% 3PT

Frequent injuries have also limited George to just eight of the team’s first 16 games. His struggles may lead franchises to scrutinize future CAA negotiations more carefully, potentially affecting Ingram’s prospects if he does align with the agency.

The Harsh Reality

Ultimately, the key to securing a major contract lies in performance. Elite players don’t need agents to “sell” their value—teams will willingly offer massive deals to those who can deliver consistent results on the court. Ingram’s current play, while solid, has not convinced skeptics that he is worth the kind of deal he is reportedly seeking.

Changing representation may help Ingram gain some leverage, but unless he elevates his game significantly over the remainder of the season, a $200 million contract may remain out of reach.

A Career Crossroads

For Brandon Ingram, the next few months will be crucial. Whether he stays with the Pelicans or tests free agency, his ability to prove he can lead a team and produce at an elite level will determine the trajectory of his career. The breakup with Excel Sports is just the beginning of what promises to be a pivotal chapter in Ingram’s journey.