When Brandon Ingram sent out this cryptic message on social media, the entire basketball community went into a frenzy. “You cannot stay in environments where people don’t know the true value of you.” Was it meant as a shot at his situation with the Pelicans? Many wondered as rumors of a potential $200 million contract extension stalled. The Pelicans have reportedly struggled to find a trade partner for the former All-Star. But what’s causing the holdup?

Veteran insider Zach Lowe suggests that many struggling teams are focused on securing better lottery odds for the next draft, headlined by 17-year-old sensation Cooper Flagg. “I frankly think that’s one of the reasons why Brandon Ingram has proved harder to trade than maybe the Pelicans thought,” he remarked on The Lowe Post. Teams may be prioritizing future prospects over a star like Ingram.

Ingram may be looking to leave New Orleans, feeling undervalued, but this season seems like a difficult time to find a team willing to take on a “floor raiser” like him. Beyond his salary demands, other concerns may be hindering teams from pursuing a trade for Ingram.

Ingram’s availability is a major concern. Plagued by knee and ankle injuries, he hasn’t played more than 64 games since his rookie year. His scoring also dipped to 20.8 points per game last season, down nearly four points from the previous year. Additionally, Ingram has yet to win a playoff series, having appeared in only two. These factors might explain why the Pelicans are hesitant to offer him a max extension.

David Griffin “prefers” to Keep Brandon Ingram but Acknowledges Financial Challenges

While many teams initially expressed interest in exploring Ingram’s trade option, most lost interest because of the max-extension desire. Pelicans EVP David Griffin has stated his preference to keep Ingram, saying, “I think from a relationship standpoint, we’ve been really clear we’d prefer Brandon stays with us, and Brandon’s been pretty clear he prefers to stay with us.” So, what’s the hold-up?

“At the same time, there is a financial reality to this,” Griffin added. “And where I think we can go in terms of keeping this group together might not be as far as he and his agency would like us to be able to go,” he continued.

Given the team’s significant investment in new star Dejounte Murray, it’s unlikely Ingram will get the extension he desires from the Pelicans. If no other team meets his demands, Ingram may have to wait longer to find a team that values him as he hopes. What are your thoughts?

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.