Pelicans GM Teases Another Draft Day Trade After Controversial 2025 Move

New Orleans lacks a first-round pick this year after a questionable 2025 trade, but Dumars says they may try to get back into the first round.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented basketball players and draft prospects, conveying the complex and uncertain nature of the Pelicans' upcoming draft plans.The Pelicans' draft day maneuverings have left fans frustrated, with the team's GM now teasing another risky trade.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans had a disappointing 2025-26 season, failing to make the playoffs despite a healthy year from star Zion Williamson. Making matters worse, the team does not own its first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after a controversial trade last year that sent the pick to the Atlanta Hawks. However, Pelicans GM Joe Dumars has hinted that the team may try to trade back into the first round this year, potentially by parting with some of their current rotation players.

Why it matters

The Pelicans' lack of a first-round pick this year is a major setback, as the 2026 draft is expected to be loaded with talent. Dumars' willingness to potentially trade away more current players to get back into the first round raises questions about the team's long-term vision and whether they are making the right moves to build a contender around Zion Williamson.

The details

In 2025, Dumars traded the Pelicans' 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in order to move up and select Derik Queen, who had a mixed rookie season. Now, with the Pelicans struggling and lacking a first-round pick, Dumars says the team may try to trade back into the first round, likely by parting with some of their current rotation players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.

  • The Pelicans' 2025-26 season recently ended with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25.

The players

Joe Dumars

The general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans who made the controversial trade of the team's 2026 first-round pick in 2025 and is now hinting at another potential draft day trade.

Zion Williamson

The star player of the New Orleans Pelicans who had a healthy season in 2025-26 but was unable to lead the team to the playoffs.

Herb Jones

A rotation player for the New Orleans Pelicans who may be traded as part of an effort to get back into the 2026 first round.

Trey Murphy III

A rotation player for the New Orleans Pelicans who may be traded as part of an effort to get back into the 2026 first round.

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What they’re saying

“'Dumars says the Pelicans do have a chance of moving into the first round of this year's draft if they wanted to.'”

— Will Guillory, Reporter, The Athletic

What’s next

The Pelicans will need to carefully weigh the potential cost of trading current players to get back into the first round, as they look to build a contender around Zion Williamson.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' lack of a first-round pick this year is a major setback, and their willingness to potentially trade away more current players to get back into the first round raises concerns about their long-term vision and ability to properly build around their star Zion Williamson.