Social media has become a tool that has not just given NBA players a medium to express their feelings, but also a mechanism that gives them power. Through infinite popularity and support, the likes of James Harden and others have forced their ways out of teams with the ownership rendered powerless. It seems Brandon Ingram might be taking some inspiration from these behaviors. “You cannot stay in environments where people don’t know the true value of you,” was the message he sent on his social media.

Is this a way of him stepping on the Pelicans’ neck to act quickly? Discussing the issue on the Locked on NBA podcast, the co-hosts had different viewpoints. Celtics stan John Karalis believes BI is sending a warning to the franchise. In the last year of his contract, the wiry forward hasn’t had any confirmation from the franchise to award him a max extension. And Karalis sees his recent social media antics as means to move on, or else he will make things ‘uncomfortable’.

“I think it’s real buddy… I think in today’s NBA with today’s 20 something year old we forget sometimes because these guys are such elite athletes that they are in their mid-20s most of these guys. And kids in their mid-20s communicate through Instagram posts and sending messages like this. And in the NBA especially, where it is petty petty petty they will absolutely, this is absolutely Brandon Ingram saying I don’t feel appreciated. I don’t feel wanted and I want out,” Karalis stated.

Less than a month ago, David Griffin claimed both parties had no desire to part ways. In fact, he even professed that Ingram feels optimistic about the franchise’s vision. However, he did agree to there being a “financial reality”. It’s not that NOLA can’t give him a max contract or that the volume scorer hasn’t earned it. It’s the team’s history that interferes.

The Pelicans have never been a taxpaying team. Last season, they even made some offloading trades for that purpose. Furthermore, with the new CBA severely punishing repeat offenders, it’s not easy to keep a young core consisting of elite talents together without sacrifice. And that can only come from the players.

It’s hard to speculate what happens behind the curtains. But if indeed Ingram is unhappy, there might be a trade that brings the Pelicans a fair return.

How the Pelicans can avoid the Brandon Ingram drama any further

The trade, proposed by Bleacher Report, isn’t easy to progress. However, each of the three teams involved get productive pieces or capital that serve their purpose. Within the Pelicans, it seems to be a dice roll between Ingram and Trey Murphy who will also be eligible for an extension soon. Since his salary isn’t as lucrative as the former Laker and the Pelicans’ stingy fiscal policy, they may side with the defensive forward.

Hence, they could opt for a three-team trade, with the Nets and the Jazz to offload Ingram. In return, they would receive an economical center Walker Kessler from Utah, and 6’8″ Cameron Johnson, a perimeter threat from Brooklyn. Given their salaries, it does make for a tempting addition to the NOLA deck. Johnson in particular has showcased his capability to be an invaluable role player in the right setting. Also, he provides the Pelicans with great wing shooting as a career 39.2% shooter.

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The Nets, who are in their rebuilding phase get immense draft capital. On the other hand, the Jazz can partner their All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen with BI. Although, Utah isn’t in a fuss to become contenders and could wait until the trade deadline to assess whether there is a necessity.

Do you think Brandon Ingram will play the last season of his contract with the Pelicans? Let us know your views in the comments below.