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New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Pelicans' trade gives them many options heading into 2025 NBA Draft
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)
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Pelicans acquire a second 2025 first-round draft pick from the Pacers in exchange for a 2026 pick
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers have agreed to trade their 23rd overall choice in next week's NBA draft to New Orleans for a 2026 first-round pick, the Pelicans announced Tuesday. The deal gives the Pelicans two first-round picks — the seventh and 23rd overall — in the draft, raising the prospect that New Orleans could package both in a deal to move up in the first round next Wednesday. The Pelicans also will receive the rights to Mojave King, a 2023 second-round draft choice who has played for Indiana's G League affiliate as well as overseas in Puerto Rico and New Zealand. The Pacers are getting back a 2026 pick they had traded to the Toronto Raptors in a 2024 deal sending Pascal Siakam to Indiana. Last February, Toronto dealt that pick to New Orleans as part of a trade that sent Brandon Ingram to the Raptors. The Pacers are the reigning Eastern Conference champions and currently trail the Oklahoma City Thunder, 3-2, in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis. ___ AP NBA:
New York Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Pacers swing mid-Finals trade, swap picks with Pelicans: Source
Even as they prepare for Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers got their offseason started early on Tuesday. For the first time since 2023, a team pulled off a trade while they were still playing in the NBA Finals, as the Pacers agreed to send the New Orleans Pelicans the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and the rights to Mojave King to New Orleans in exchange for the Pacers' 2026 first-round pick, which the Pelicans previously acquired in the deal that sent Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. Advertisement ESPN was first to report the news. The 2023 Denver Nuggets were the last team to make a mid-finals trade. Similar to the Nuggets that year, the Pacers' motivation behind this deal is to clear up cap space as the team prepares to negotiate a lucrative extension with starting center Myles Turner this summer. Turner, who has spent all 10 years of his NBA career in Indiana, is set to hit unrestricted free agency after the season. The Pelicans will now own the No. 7 and No. 23 picks in this year's draft as they look to reshape their roster under new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. The first round of the NBA Draft will be held on June 25 in New York. This story will be updated.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Raptors Named in Trade Report After Giannis Antetokounmpo News
Raptors Named in Trade Report After Giannis Antetokounmpo News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Raptors missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season this year, but their future looks bright. Toronto ended the regular season as the No. 11 seed in the East and was the first team on the outside of the Play-In Tournament. Advertisement Toronto also has a young core with a lot of potential, and it has yet to see Brandon Ingram (who it acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline) suit up. However, perhaps most interestingly, there is reportedly mutual interest in a trade involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Raptors (h/t Doug Smith of the Toronto Star). The Raptors have also recently been named in another trade report that could impact their status in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34).Brad Penner-Imagn Images While nothing is official, many believe the Bucks could move on from their top star this offseason after another first-round playoff exit. If the Bucks do entertain trade offers for him, the Raptors are a team to keep an eye on. However, they are far from the only one. Advertisement Per the latest reports, the Raptors could move away from their No. 9 spot in the NBA Draft and could acquire Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, which could open the door for them to land Antetokounmpo instead. "Hearing Nets may want to move up from #19 to the lottery, offering [Cam Johnson] and #19 to Raptors or Rockets for either Raps 9th or Rockets 10th plus a bad contract," NetsDaily wrote on X. "That would give Nets two picks in top 10 (presupposing neither team would need picks for Giannis trade.)" With the NBA Draft set to take place later this month, it should not take too long for there to be more clarity. Regardless, both the Raptors and Nets are teams to watch out for in the Antetokounmpo market. If either of them can swing a deal for him, it would drastically change their standing in the league. Advertisement Related: News on Giannis Antetokounmpo's Brother Turns Heads Amid Trade Rumors Related: Grizzlies Predicted to Make $190 Million Move This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kevin Durant to Raptors Trade Report Surfaces After Giannis Antetokounmpo News
Kevin Durant to Raptors Trade Report Surfaces After Giannis Antetokounmpo News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. This past season, the Toronto Raptors finished with a 30-52 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons. Furthermore, they secured the No. 9 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft after the draft lottery. However, despite their losing season, things may soon look up for the Raptors. Advertisement In addition to having a solid young core led by Scottie Barnes, Toronto also acquired former All-Star Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans this season, though he has yet to make his debut for the team. Above all else, however, they have been linked to some major stars in trade rumors, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. Recently, reports surfaced suggesting that there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors (h/t Doug Smith of the Toronto Star). However, they are also a possible destination for Durant, who many expect the Phoenix Suns will trade this offseason. On Friday, NBA insider Marc Stein provided a major update regarding a potential Raptors trade for the Suns star that will be crucial to monitor throughout the offseason. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant (35).Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Durant just wrapped up his second full season in Phoenix, which did not go according to plan. For the first time since 2020, the Suns missed the playoffs after a disappointing season. Nothing is official yet, but the Suns are heavily rumored to trade Durant this offseason following their lackluster campaign, and the Raptors are a team to keep an eye on. Advertisement According to Stein (subscription required), the Raptors may have "a more realistic shot" at acquiring Durant in the offseason instead of Antetokounmpo. 'Toronto has likewise been painted by numerous NBA figures as a potential trade suitor for Durant … particularly if Antetokounmpo doesn't reach the open market," Fischer wrote."The Raptors, furthermore, would figure to have a more realistic shot at assembling a competitive trade offer for Durant compared to the mammoth offers that the Bucks would inevitably seek for Antetokounmpo's services.' While it likely would not make them immediate title favorites, a trade for Durant would drastically improve Toronto's standing in the Eastern Conference. If the Suns opt to move on from the 36-year-old, they will likely have a lot of suitors. This includes the Raptors, who could be just one major move away from becoming contenders once again. Related: Former Celtics Star Announces Decision on Retirement Related: NBA Star Sends LeBron James Message After Being Traded by Lakers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
