Pelicans' trade gives them many options heading into 2025 NBA Draft

New York Times

4 hours ago

Joe Dumars did not let luck box him and the New Orleans Pelicans in as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches.
Last month, the Pelicans fell to seventh in the draft order after having the fifth-best odds before the lottery. On Tuesday, Dumars, in his first transaction in charge of the Pelicans, created more options for himself.
Advertisement
Despite still playing in the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers completed a trade with the Pelicans on Tuesday that sent the 23rd pick in next week's draft, and the draft rights to Mojave King, to New Orleans in exchange for the Pacers' 2026 first-round pick, which the Pelicans previously acquired in the trade that sent Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors last February.
The last time the Pelicans chose two players in the first round was in 2019, the offseason that marked the beginning of David Griffin's tenure as the lead executive in New Orleans. Then, the Pelicans picked Zion Williamson first and acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the 17th pick, in a draft-night deal.
In his first summer in charge, Dumars will have a similar opportunity to put his early imprint on the organization by building out the foundation of the roster with young pieces of his choosing.
Or, he can go in a different direction. The flexibility is the key. Having a second first-rounder allows Dumars to explore a few options. It also locks in the 23rd pick in a solid draft this year instead of waiting to see where the Pacers fall next year. Given the uncertainty around them, the Pacers will likely head into next year as one of the Eastern Conference's favorites.
The obvious and easiest way forward is to use both picks to add depth to a roster that needs help in the backcourt and up front. Maybe the fear of taking a younger player who may need more time to develop, such as Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears, isn't as intimidating when you can stack that pick with a more experienced backcourt player such as Colorado State's Nique Clifford or Florida's Walter Clayton Jr.
Likewise, maybe the thought of drafting Duke center Khaman Maluach seems less risky when more obvious plug-and-play options, such as Clayton or Michigan's Danny Wolf, are available later in the first round.
Advertisement
As of now, it seems the Pelicans are more likely to select a player who is expected to be on the board in that range, but having that added cushion always makes it easier for the front office to take the player it genuinely likes rather than the one it feels obligated to select because of fit.
As difficult as it could be in practice, adding another pick also gives the Pelicans another piece in case they want to move up in the draft.
Rutgers forward Ace Bailey or Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe would be the likely targets. While a move up to No. 2 for Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper would be the exact addition this team needs, most reports indicate that the Spurs have been very reluctant to include the second pick in any trade talks they've had in recent weeks.
Even if San Antonio were to entertain the thought of trading the pick, I doubt they'd want to turn that asset into even more draft picks. The Spurs are looking to add young, All-Star talent around Victor Wembanyama. Recent reports have stated they have been .
That leaves the other two obvious trade-up spots: Philadelphia at No. 3 and Charlotte at No. 4.
Based on its current needs, Charlotte seems more likely to stay where it is rather than move back. Both Bailey and Edgecombe would fit the Hornets' patient build.
The Sixers are in a more complicated position. With Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey still on the roster, Philly clearly would prefer to make moves this summer that can help it win immediately. Do the Sixers have the patience to wait for Bailey to grow up and improve his shot selection? Does Edgecombe have enough in his offensive game to be a threat in his rookie season when he's on the court with Embiid and Maxey? Or is he a guy who defenses will ignore until his jump shot is a bit more reliable?
The Sixers could take a long-term view and decide that building a foundation that will endure after Embiid is gone is a better strategy, but that doesn't align with the moves Sixers lead executive Daryl Morey has made his entire career.
When he has opportunities like this, Morey has always looked to add another big star. Would it be easier for him to package the Pelicans' two picks along with other assets to chase a big name, or is the third pick a more valuable commodity?
In particular, Bailey's stock clouds that situation. ESPN reported on Tuesday that Bailey has declined draft workouts with teams in his likely landing spots, implying that he is more interested in playing for a team that could feature him more prominently sooner.
Why trade up to No. 3 when some believe Bailey might drop to seventh because of the issues he's had in the pre-draft process? I'd say that's a stretch, but trading up with Philadelphia would require a level of aggression that the Pelicans shouldn't entertain at this time.
Then there are the two names that so many people have speculated about in recent weeks: What if Philly says a move up to No. 3 would cost New Orleans either Trey Murphy or Herb Jones?
That very much seems like a request Morey would make, and it's one New Orleans should turn down immediately.
Murphy and Jones' names have frequently appeared in the rumor mill over the past few months, but every indication I've received is that it would take an overwhelming offer for New Orleans to move either player. Even if you love Bailey's potential, is it worth the risk when Murphy and Jones have both shown how valuable they are to this organization?
Considering how tumultuous things have been around the Pelicans all summer — including some not-so-flattering remarks from Dejounte Murray in an interview with 'The Pivot' on Tuesday about his first year in New Orleans — the thought of moving on from Murphy or Jones would only enrage the fan base even more.
I'd expect New Orleans to evaluate the possibility of moving up, but it'll be difficult for it to find a move that makes sense.
Then, there's the version of this that's not as sexy, which includes the Pelicans selecting someone at No. 7 and using the 23rd pick to move down in this draft and/or bring in future assets.
Some talented prospects will be available in the 20-25 range of this year's draft, and the Pelicans could use this as a way to build up their asset base.
Advertisement
The Brooklyn Nets, who have the 19th, 26th, 27th and 36th picks in the draft, are a team to watch. Would Brooklyn give up two of those later picks to move up to 23 if it likes someone in that range? Could the Pelicans convince Oklahoma City to give up a future asset or two to move up a spot?
Either way, the Pelicans find themselves in a much better position going into next week's draft. Suddenly, Dumars is in a position to make some important moves during his first summer in charge. The question is, will he eventually swing for the fences, or will he keep making the smart, under-the-radar moves like he did with Tuesday's trade?
(Photo of Ace Bailey: Michael Reavers / Getty)