"Stop gatekeeping buckets" - Former NBA champion calls out Pelicans for considering $208 million star trade

Former NBA player Nick Young has shared his thoughts on social media regarding the drama involving Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans. Young posted his opinion about the rumors that the team is looking to trade their All-Star forward on X on Monday.

The trade rumors started after a cryptic post from Ingram arrived over the weekend. The one-time All-Star posted a video regarding environments that don't consider one's values. There wasn't any context to what the forward posted, but it sparked rumors about his future with the franchise moving forward.

This time, Young chose to back up Ingram's post. The former LA Lakers star reposted a highlight reel of the Pelicans player.

"The NBA is crazy they wanna trade Bi and pay and keep all they defenders ….stop gatekeeping buckets," Young posted on X.

Ingram is in the final year of his five-year, $158 million deal with the team. The organization hasn't offered him a contract extension and this could be a sign that the forward won't be part of their long-term plans. He is eligible to be signed to a four-year, $208 million contract extension.

The star forward has been with the franchise for five seasons. He has become their go-to option over that span. In his first season with New Orleans, he earned his first All-Star selection and averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Last season, his numbers were down, but it still showcased his All-Star qualities. He played 64 games and put up 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game on average. In his five seasons with the team, he has never averaged less than 20 points and only played less than 60 games twice.

Also read: Brandon Ingram posts video on Instagram insinuating unhappiness in New Orleans

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Brandon Ingram the only player who didn't show up in voluntary workouts for the Pelicans

Even though it's the offseason, players still work hard on their game. However, among the members of the New Orleans Pelicans, Ingram was the only player who didn't show up for voluntary workouts.

Shamit Dua of InTheNO podcast shared that Ingram was the only player not present for the event without prior intimation. Daniel Theis was also not seen in the workouts, but he had informed the team about his absence.

"Maybe this sheds light behind the social media post the other day and adds a layer of meaning. Maybe he really is upset at the situation and how it's playing out," Dua speculated.

There wasn't any reason reported about Ingram's absence from the workout. This could be related to the cryptic post he shared on Instagram recently.

Also read: 10x All-Star hyped over Zion Williamson's 'revenge' season after Pelicans star's insane transformation