NBA Exec: Raptors 'Bid Against Themselves' with $120M Brandon Ingram Contract

The Toronto Raptors didn't hesitate when it came time to commit to Brandon Ingram after this month's trade deadline.

However, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported Friday that Ingram's three-year, $120 million extension with the Raptors was likely more than the forward would have obtained in free agency, according to execs around the league.

"I don't think Ingram gets that deal if he'd have hit free agency, especially the player option, but it depends on how he would've finished the season in New Orleans [had he not been traded]," one executive told Windhorst. "They obviously really like him and think he's a good fit, but they bid against themselves on that deal -- and they bid against themselves on [Immanuel] Quickley."

The Raptors acquired Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline. He was set to hit free agency this summer but is now under contract through 2026-27 campaign with a player option for 2027-28.

Ingram has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 18 appearances this season. He has yet to debut with the Raptors and last played for the Pelicans on Feb. 12 because of an ankle injury.

Toronto is currently 17-38 and 13th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are 4.5 games back of the final spot in the play-in tournament.