The New Orleans Pelicans will have some extra ammunition when the 2025 NBA draft arrives later this month.
The Pelicans completed a deal with the Indiana Pacers, a move announced by the team Tuesday, to add an additional first-round pick (No. 23 overall) as well as the draft rights to Mojave King in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (via Toronto). That pick was acquired in the Brandon Ingram trade earlier this year.
King, a native of New Zealand, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 draft (No. 47). King most recently played for the Tauranga Whai of the New Zealand NBL. The move comes as Indiana is taking part in the NBA Finals, where they trail the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder 3-2.
The trade means New Orleans will have a pair of first-rounders, with their own selection landing at No. 7 overall due to some poor lottery luck. The Pelicans finished the season with the 4th worst record (21-61), which also marked the worst result since the team rebranded from the Hornets.
Those will be the team's only picks, barring future deals. New executive VP Joe Dumars has made it clear in multiple interviews that Zion Williamson is seen as part of the future of the team, so don't expect his name to appear in a surprise blockbuster. The team does have several potential trade options though, if they're looking to restructure by adding different players or by aggressively moving up in the draft.
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The last time the Pelicans changed GMs was in 2019, a year they also had multiple first-round selections. That year they picked Zion Williamson at No. 1 overall and were aggressive in trades, also landing Jaxson Hayes (No. 8) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (No. 17). The latter two players have since found homes elsewhere and played key roles on playoff teams (Lakers and Timberwolves) this past season. The ream
The Pelicans parted ways with Griffin earlier this offseason. The front office has also seen a significant overhaul, with GM Bryson Graham departing for a job with the Hawks and also parting ways with Swin Cash, who had served as VP of basketabll operations and team development.
The 2025 draft kicks off at 7 p.m. (central) on June 25.