The Toronto Raptors might have the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference, but that didn't stop them from making an aggressive win-now move ahead

Wednesday, the eve of the trade deadline, ended up being Ingram’s last day as a Pelican. It's a trade that feels a lot like one the Saints made in early November when they traded Marshon Lattimore. Both Ingram and Lattimore will go down as arguably the best player at their position in their team's history. Both were plagued by injuries.

DENVER – Brandon Ingram will go down as one of the better players to wear a Pelicans uniform and be a key figurehead in the team’s transition into the post-Anthony Davis era. However, it was no surprise to see him traded on Wednesday night.

The first-round pick headed to the Pelicans is top-four protected in 2026 and comes via the Indiana Pacers, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. The Raptors acquired the pick as part of last year's Pascal Siakam trade.

Brandon Ingram has been on the trade block since the summer as he entered the final year of his contract this season. The New Orleans Pelicans finally found him a new home less than 24 hours before the NBA trade deadline.

Breaking: The New Orleans Pelicans have traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick and one second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/tI4jo2cYhM

Zion Williamson is in a similar boat to Ingram. The Pelicans did elect to extend the former Duke University star, but his injury history is a massive concern. He's played 14 games this year. He'll still be on the roster after Thursday's deadline, but it's possible New Orleans will consider moving on from the injury-prone star soon.

The New Orleans Pelicans dealt one of their star players during their game last night with Brandon Ingram seen leaving them before the second-half while learning that he'd be moving on

Brandon Ingram is on his way out of New Orleans. The Pelicans are sending Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr. and Kelly Olynyk with one first-round pick and one second-round pick, according to a team source.

Ingram was in his sixth season with the Pelicans after being acquired in 2019 in the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. Ingram had some highs and lows with the Pelicans. He was named to the All-Star game for the first and only time in his career in 2020. He was also voted the NBA’s Most Improved Player that season.