What Happened to Brandon Ingram?
Brandon Ingram is an American professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. After being drafted second overall in 2016, he established himself as a versatile forward, earning NBA Most Improved Player in 2020 and two All-Star selections. He was recently traded to the Clippers in 2026 but is currently sidelined with a partially torn Achilles, expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Quick Answer
Brandon Ingram, a two-time NBA All-Star and former Most Improved Player, was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2026 from the Toronto Raptors. He is currently recovering from a partially torn Achilles, an injury discovered during heel surgery in May 2026, and is expected to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 NBA season. In his last full season (2025-26) with the Raptors, he averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Drafted by Los Angeles Lakers
Brandon Ingram was selected as the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
After his rookie season, Ingram was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Traded to New Orleans Pelicans
Ingram was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a package for Anthony Davis.
Wins NBA Most Improved Player and First All-Star Selection
Ingram earned the NBA Most Improved Player award and his first NBA All-Star selection during the 2019-2020 season with the Pelicans.
Signs Max Extension with Pelicans
Ingram signed a five-year, $158 million contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Traded to Toronto Raptors
Ingram was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a deal involving Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks.
Signs 3-year, $120M Extension with Raptors
Less than a week after being traded, Ingram signed a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, including a player option for 2027-28.
Shut Down for 2024-25 Season
Ingram was officially shut down for the remainder of the 2024-25 season by the Raptors after receiving a PRP injection in his ankle.
Named 2026 NBA All-Star
Ingram was selected to his second NBA All-Star game, representing the Toronto Raptors.
Traded to Los Angeles Clippers
Ingram was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
Undergoes Heel Surgery, Partially Torn Achilles Discovered
Ingram underwent surgery on his right heel, during which a partially torn Achilles tendon was discovered.
Out for Start of 2026-27 Season
The Los Angeles Clippers announced that Brandon Ingram will miss the start of the 2026-27 NBA season due to his partially torn Achilles.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Brandon Ingram's NBA journey began in 2016 when he was selected as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent three seasons. In 2019, he was a key component in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers, moving Ingram to the New Orleans Pelicans. It was with the Pelicans that Ingram truly blossomed, earning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2020 and his first All-Star selection. He signed a five-year, $158 million deal with the Pelicans in 2020.
Ingram's tenure in New Orleans concluded in February 2025 when he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks. Shortly after the trade, on February 12, 2025, Ingram signed a three-year, $120 million contract extension with the Raptors, which included a player option for the 2027-28 season. Despite the new contract, injuries hampered his initial time in Toronto, and he was shut down for the remainder of the 2024-25 season after a PRP injection in his ankle.
The 2025-26 season saw a resurgence for Ingram with the Raptors. He played in 77 regular-season games, averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, and was named an NBA All-Star for the second time in his career. However, his time in Toronto was short-lived. In 2026, Ingram was part of another significant trade, moving to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
As of September 28, 2026, Ingram's debut with the Clippers has been delayed due to injury. He underwent surgery on his right heel in May 2026, during which a partially torn Achilles was discovered. The Clippers announced that Ingram will miss the start of the 2026-27 season, with no clear timeline for his return, though the recovery for a partial tear is shorter than a full one. His current contract with the Clippers sees him earning $40,000,000 for the 2026-27 season.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Brandon Ingram made different choices?