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The Toronto Raptors have emerged with interest in Brandon Ingram, reports Marc Stein. Ingram was on the block during the offseason as he approaches his free agency, but the New Orleans Pelicans haven’t found a deal to their liking.

Ingram and the Pelicans have discussed an extension, but were apart on terms. Ingram is in the final season of his contract, which pays $36 million.

There is a belief that Masai Ujiri is motivated to return the Raptors to a competitive station in the NBA. Toronto begun their reset last season when they traded OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, which further made Scottie Barnes the centerpiece of their team.

The Raptors have been involved in a number of different conversations as the deadline approaches, particularly as a facilitator in a larger Jimmy Butler deal. The Raptors possess a number of trade-friendly contracts in Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher and Davion Mitchell.

In trading for Ingram now, the Raptors could add a proven veteran scorer at the deadline while still effectively maintaining a good probability for a high lottery pick in this year’s draft that could accelerate their turnaround.