The Pelicans didn't hit big in the NBA Draft lottery, but that doesn't mean they won't be picking at the top of the draft.
New Orleans is expected to "aggressively" pursue a trade for the No. 2 pick from the Charlotte Hornets, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic. If they swung such a deal, it'd be for G-League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson.
It's an interesting time for such trade rumors to emerge, considering Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson recently became embroiled in another off-the-court imbroglio. It's unknown if the former No. 1 overall pick would be in any potential trade talks, but his lack of availability during postseason pushes in each of the past two seasons would be a fair point of frustration.
Williamson and star wing Brandon Ingram are also both natives of North Carolina and starred at Duke in college.
It could still be possible to pull off a blockbuster trade without including either star, but that'd likely mean the inclusion of a combination of young standouts and draft picks. The Pelicans own the No. 14 pick in the upcoming draft, and also have the rights to the Lakers 2024 or 2025 first-round pick as well as the Bucks' 2025 and 2027 first-round selections.
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The 2023 NBA draft will be held on Thursday June 22 with French superstar Victor Wembenyama all but assured to go to the Spurs at No. 1 overall. The No. 2 pick has a bit of a debate around it, but will most likely be other Henderson or Alabama wing Brandon Miller.
If the Pelicans did move up to draft Miller, it'd be the second consecutive season they took on a G-League Ignite player after selection Dyson Daniels at No. 8 overall.
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