Bobby Marks shares what could soon cause off-court Pelicans drama

The New Orleans Pelicans recently held their Media Day along with the rest of the NBA teams, and there were quite a lot of takeaways from the event. Some of the team's dedicated beat reporters got their first in-person look at Zion Williamson's new body after his summer conditioning, and the reviews say that he wasn't lying when he said he's now near his playing weight from when he was still with the Duke Blue Devils.

They also got to speak to the newest Pelicans in town like Yves Missi, Daniel Theis, and Dejounte Murray, the All-Star guard who New Orleans traded for from the Atlanta Hawks at the beginning of the summer. Murray has consistently expressed his excitement to be in the Big Easy since he was acquired, although he did complain about the city's potholes in jest. Vice President David Griffin got to take a little victory lap after his offseason additions, stating that this is the most talented roster he's had with the Pelicans.

Jose Alvarado was all smiles after signing his two-year, $9 million extension and used his availability to take a jab at former teammate and new Dallas Maverick, Naji Marshall. But, not everything was sunshine and rainbows for the Pelicans at Media Day, as they wrapped up with some serious question marks still hanging over their heads. ESPN's Bobby Marks believes there could be some off-court issues within the New Orleans Pelicans because of a particular unresolved concern.

New Orleans Pelicans are unlikely to get an extension agreement done with Brandon Ingram

Trey Murphy III and Brandon Ingram's possible extensions were two of the most pressing matters for the Pelicans coming into Media Day. After every member's availability, there wasn't clarity provided on either subject. The Pels have until October 21, the eve of NBA 2024-25 tip-off, to get a deal done with TMIII. No one really talked about it at Media Day, which is probably a good sign that it'll get done soon actually.

On the other hand, Brandon Ingram had plenty of questions raised and answered about his contract situation, although none gave any real substantial indications about his future with the team either way. Both BI and Griffin alluded to the fact that neither of them believe that an extension would be signed before the season begins.

Bobby Marks believes that this game of chicken between Ingram and the Pelicans could rear its ugly head during the season and ultimately become a detriment to the team:

""The trade to acquire Dejounte Murray this summer has New Orleans positioned with $122 million in committed salary next year, which is $66 million below the luxury tax. However, a max contract for Ingram that starts at $46 million and a possible extension for Trey Murphy III would put New Orleans in the luxury tax and near the first apron. Both sides will need to weigh what is next because Ingram could be a distraction in camp and try to force a trade like James Harden did last year.""

- Bobby Marks

David Griffin disagrees, stating in camp that Ingram has worked closely with Pelicans staff throughout the summer. He also said that he believes that Ingram and the organization have a tight relationship and enough trust that the two sides can continue these negotiations in good faith without worry of it negatively affecting the team's play. We'll see if Marks or Griffin turns out to be right, as New Orleans has up until June 30 to sign Ingram to an extension, though they'll only have until mid-February to decide whether or not they want to trade him.