Kinston’s Own Brandon Ingram Signs $120M Extension with Raptors

Brandon Ingram, the pride of Kinston, has secured his future in Toronto. The former Kinston High School standout and NBA All-Star agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Raptors, as first reported by Shams Charania and Bobby Marks of ESPN. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, giving Ingram long-term security with his new team.

The extension comes just days after the Raptors acquired Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade that sent Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and two draft picks to New Orleans. Ingram, 27, had spent five-and-a-half seasons with the Pelicans, where he averaged 23.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while earning an All-Star selection in 2020.

A key piece in the Anthony Davis blockbuster trade that sent him from the Lakers to the Pelicans in 2019, Ingram had been in contract talks with New Orleans but was unable to reach an agreement, leading to his trade to Toronto. Raptors general manager Bobby Webster confirmed that the team was comfortable with the contract Ingram was seeking, making the extension a natural next step.

While Ingram’s extension comes in below his max contract potential, it ensures he remains a centerpiece of Toronto’s core alongside Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, and fellow Kinston native RJ Barrett. Currently recovering from an ankle injury, Ingram’s Raptors debut remains on hold, but when he does take the floor, he will be looking to make an immediate impact for a franchise betting on his talents for the future.