If you thought the New Orleans Pelicans were going to sit quietly on draft night, think again. After a 26-56 season that kept them out of the playoffs for the second straight year, the front office is reportedly hunting for a way back into the first round — and it could cost them a fan favorite.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Pelicans are “actively trying to trade into the first round.” That’s no small task for a team that currently owns only the No. 58 pick, the last selection in the draft. In a class widely considered deep with talent, New Orleans is staring at scraps unless they make a move.
Herb Jones on the Block?
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints floated a scenario that would send Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and future assets to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the No. 16 pick and forward Santi Aldama. It’s a deal that would give the Pelicans an immediate rotation player and a lottery-level prospect — but it would also mean parting with one of the league’s most versatile defenders.
“Despite the rumors surrounding Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans continue to hold him in high regard and would only deal him for a haul of assets or a superstar player,” Siegel explained. “That is why Herb Jones is the better option to trade for a top-20 pick.”
The team has not confirmed any trade talks, but the logic is clear: Murphy is viewed as a long-term building block, while Jones — valuable as he is — might be the piece that brings back the most immediate draft capital.
Dumars Has a Track Record — Both Good and Bad
Last year, in his first draft as Pelicans general manager, Joe Dumars pulled off a savvy move to grab Derik Queen at No. 13 from the Atlanta Hawks, giving up Asa Newell (the No. 23 pick) in return. Queen paid immediate dividends, averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while earning All-Rookie Second Team honors.
But Dumars’ history also includes two infamous selections during his tenure with the Detroit Pistons: Rodney White at No. 9 in 2001 and Darko Milicic at No. 2 in 2003 — the latter famously taken ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. Fans online noted that while Dumars has shown he can swing a smart trade, his draft-day instincts have sometimes misfired.
What’s at Stake
For a Pelicans team that has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons and lacks a first-round pick, this draft represents a crossroads. A bold move could inject young talent or a reliable contributor. But overpaying could set the franchise back even further in a competitive Western Conference.
Whether Dumars repeats last year’s magic or trips over his own history remains to be seen. Either way, New Orleans is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch when the draft clock starts ticking.
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