New Orleans’ Pelicans had a way more eventful offset than many. Nevertheless, a few of their decisions have had followers and the media questioning the entrance workplace.
The Pelicans started their offseason by exchanging CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk at Washington Wizards in trade for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, whereas the group is trying to grow to be youthful. This settlement was in truth thrilling as a result of it offers Poole and Bey, two very proficient gamers, an opportunity of latest departures from New Orleans.
Nevertheless, the commerce that the Pelicans made throughout the NBA 2025 draft was a head of the top. With the seventh general alternative, the Pélicans repeated Jeremiah Fears, an thrilling goalkeeper of Oklahoma, who was a wonderful alternative. After that, nevertheless, they felt determined so as to add extra younger abilities.
The Pelicans exchanged the twenty third general alternative and a alternative of first spherical in 2026 (essentially the most favorable in New Orleans or Milwaukee) to the Atlanta Hawks in trade for the thirteenth alternative, in order that they’ll choose Derik Queen. The issue with this enterprise just isn’t essentially a blow on Queen, as a result of the nice 20 -year -old man has a sure potential, however the Pelicans thought it was a good suggestion to ship their alternative for the draft of subsequent yr.
“It was one of many 5 most silly trades of this decade.”@BILLSIMIMONS Was speechless after the Pelicans exchanged a alternative of first unprotected spherical in 2026 to mount 10 locations. pic.twitter.com/gpv3n53ebw
– The Ringer (@ringer) June 26, 2025
There isn’t any actual indicator that the Pelicans will probably be good subsequent season, as a result of many at all times count on them to compete for a primary alternative within the draft of the NBA 2026. Trade this alternative to change to the late lottery of this summer time was a worrying resolution.
This offseason, the Pélicans additionally signed Kevon Looney, a former veterans champion and former champion of the Golden State Warriors within the Free Company. Looney will probably be a treasured rescue heart in New Orleans whereas they’re attempting to remain aggressive with a proficient nucleus, however they at all times have work to do.
On Monday, the Pelicans would have signed the six -year -old NBA striker Jalen McDaniels, by Charania Shams d’Espn.
The striker of the free agent Jalen McDaniels accepted an settlement with the Pélicans of New Orleans, in keeping with ESPN sources. McDaniels has a median of 6.7 factors and three.3 rebounds in six seasons of the NBA.
– Shams Charania (@shamscharania) August 18, 2025
Jalen McDaniels, to not be confused along with his brother on the Timberwolves of Minnesota, Jaden, performed for the Hornets of Charlotte, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards all through his profession. The 6 -foot 9 inch striker just isn’t near the expertise of his brother, who is taken into account the most effective defenders of the NBA, however plainly the instruments are there.
Every group to which McDaniels goes, they hope that he could be an efficient defender along with his lengthy government, however the 27 -year -old has struggled to reconstruct him. Nevertheless, McDaniels skilled just a few good seasons in Charlotte, and if he can no less than be a play of rotation in New Orleans in some unspecified time in the future, it could be a hit.
