Changing Brandon Ingram Trade Grade after Webster Talks

After hearing a bit more on the thought process and plans for Ingram, it only feels right to adjust his grade appropriately.

In the haze of the NBA Trade Deadline Thursday, the Toronto Raptors solidified their trade to acquire Brandon Ingram in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first round pick and a 2031 second round pick.

Prior to the trade, while it was happening, and yesterday, I will admit I was a little skeptical. Was the plan to try and get him into the rotation ASAP and try and revive the season? Would the Raptors even re-sign him this summer? Could they make his salary work among the rest of the Raptors contracts?

As I detailed my doubts, giving this trade a C+ in my immediate grading piece from yesterday, I was actually sitting at the Raptors’ practice facility in Toronto. I did say in that one that I would be curious to see what Bobby Webster said about this trade, and that the results could ultimately change my opinion.

Well, we waited. And waited. And waited... if you don’t know how the NBA Trade Deadline works, I’ll give you a little crash course.

Teams need to negotiate and settle trades by 3pm ET, but just because Shams reports it, doesn’t mean the deal is done. At 3pm, all the trades that have been “filed” are then put into a queue, and teams wait in line to speak to someone from the NBA league office. Eventually, all parties involved in whatever trade is being processed will end up on the phone, where some lawyers and such will process the trade on the league’s end — making sure the money and everything works. After that call, the trade is official.

Subsequently, team officials can’t speak on trades until they are official. Since there was so many trades that happened yesterday, including the 6-team deal starring Jimmy Butler, the line was long. So, we waited.

Eventually it got to the point where we had been sitting around in the media room for hours and there was no sign of the Ingram trade being processed in the immediate future. Shoutout to Bobby Webster though, he was apologetic despite it not being his fault at all. We were sent home with the promise of getting some intel from Webster in the morning.

Circle back to 10am Friday, when the media was finally able to speak to Webster, getting some clarity on their process this week. He then spoke to Blake Murphy and Matt Bonner on The Raptors Show on Sportsnet. Here are some of the main takeaways:

Brandon Ingram is here for the long haul

One of the arguments against the Ingram trade initially was that he is going to become a unrestricted free agent this summer. Webster pretty immediately eased the worry on that topic, saying that Ingram not only had input on his trade destination, but is enthusiastic about re-signing in the summer. Webster assured that they were able to talk to Ingram’s reps as well about what kind of deal he is hoping to sign, and they all felt comfortable with the conversation.

“Brandon wants to be here. We’ve been able to talk to his agent and we are comfortable where we are.” Bobby Webster

Webster then went on to say on The Raptors Show that they are in the process of putting together a contract extension for Ingram. Whether he ends up signing that or going into free agency, that is to be determined.

Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy also reported that Ingram turned down his $2.1 million dollar trade bonus. A contract stipulation that would have been added to the Raptors’ cap this season, Ingram does the team-friendly move and scrapped it. Anthony Davis did the same with the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week.

So, it seems like Ingram wants to be in Toronto and sees himself as a long-term member of this team.

Webster also expressed how the team likes to treat the deadline like “pre-free agency” in getting these players in before they become UFA’s. They get to learn about who they are, see the fit, get a trial run of sorts. As Webster said it’s “good due diligence.”

Ingram’s struggles with health

Brandon Ingram has been out since December with an ankle sprain. During our campout in the Raptors’ media room Thursday, there was a search into the latest info on Ingram’s injury. Last the Pelicans updated in late-January, he was set to be re-evaluated.

Now, if you were around during the Kawhi Leonard days, you know a thing about the Raptors’ medical team. They are pretty revered around the league for being good, getting lots of praise from Leonard, DeRozan, Lowry and many other former Raptors.

“We have the best medical staff in the league” - Bobby Webster

While Webster did say that they would not rush Ingram’s return to play, he was optimistic about Ingram’s status. Ingram met the team in Oklahoma City today, where he was set to be evaluated by the Raptors’ medical staff — so we should get an update soon.

As for the trade, Webster did say that the injury (and Ingram’s history) did affect the price of the trade, and could affect the contract negotiations. He also chalked it up a little to recent injury woes on the New Orleans Pelicans side too, and is confident in Ingram’s future health.

Are the Raptors still tanking?

Lastly, one of the biggest points around this trade was the idea that the Raptors are supposed to be tanking this season. The 2025 draft boasts high-level talents like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and more, and Toronto fans are hoping one of those talents ends up in a Raptors jersey.

The concern around getting Ingram was that this changed those plans, and the team would want to win more this year. Getting a GM or team official to talk about tanking in itself is pretty hard, simply because they can’t talk about it — yet Webster toed the line pretty well today.

He was clear on the Raptors’ intentions to continue their rebuild this year (aka tank), and specifically mentioned the “desire to focus on the young players and rookies.” Again, another tongue and cheek way to say tank.

“That’s mission number 1, going out and travel the world and figure out which of these guys [fits]. The lottery gods and lottery balls will determine where we end up.” - Bobby Webster

Later on The Raptors Show, Webster urged fans to “pray to the lottery gods.”

So, rest assured — the Raptors aren’t suddenly trying to make the play-in. Especially with Ingram’s rehab and Quickley’s lack of playing time this season, the goal is just assessment. They definitely need to be scouting for back-up centers, which will happen through 10-day contracts. They also just signed Jamison Battle to a standard NBA deal as well.

Updated Grade: A

With all of this being said, I feel confident enough to upgrade this trade from a C+ to an A. That gives some room to grow into an A+ with time and seeing how Ingram ends up fitting into this system. It also reflects the planning that has gone into the timing of the deal as well as Ingram’s interest in staying on the team long-term.

Turns out, the Raptors were buyers at the deadline after all.