The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the teams to closely monitor in the NBA Draft, as experts are predicting that the team will pull off a big move, especially with Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones being mentioned in trade rumors.
Because of past deals, the Pelicans do not have a pick in the first round. They only own the No. 58 pick. Even though it is a talent-laden draft class, New Orleans may only be left with crumbs.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, citing his sources, the Pelicans are “actively trying to trade into the first round.”
It echoed ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel’s mock trade that would land New Orleans the No. 16 pick and Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, Memphis will receive Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and future assets.
“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. That is why Herb Jones is the better option to trade for a top-20 pick,” explained Siegel.
Last year, New Orleans pulled off a draft-day trade to acquire Derik Queen, who was selected at No. 13 by the Atlanta Hawks. The Pelicans gave up Asa Newell, whom they picked at No. 23.
It was a smart move by general manager Joe Dumars in his first year in NOLA, as Queen was a good fit. He averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in 81 games. He was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.
But of course, it is worth remarking that Dumars selected Rodney White at No. 9 in 2001 and Darko Milicic at No. 2 in 2003 when he was with the Detroit Pistons.
The Pelicans missed the playoffs for the second straight season after a 26-56 record.
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