Pelicans reportedly exploring trade into lottery

The Pelicans may not own a lottery pick in this month’s draft, but that reportedly isn’t stopping them from trying to get one.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (via Hoops Rumors’ Luke Adams), New Orleans has been exploring ways to acquire a lottery selection and is believed to have interest in a specific prospect projected to go somewhere in the top 10.

As Adams explained, head of basketball operations Joe Dumars and the Pelicans no longer control the No. 8 overall pick after last year’s draft-day trade with the Hawks. New Orleans surrendered its 2026 first-round selection as part of the deal that allowed the franchise to move up and select Derik Queen.

That leaves the Pelicans without a first-round pick this year and potentially searching for another route into the lottery.

According to Scotto, it remains unclear which assets New Orleans is willing to discuss in trade talks. Adams noted that Jeremiah Fears and Queen would appear unlikely to be moved, while players such as Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and Yves Missi could generate varying levels of interest around the league.

Scotto added that the Pelicans still possess several future draft assets, including the more favorable of their own or Milwaukee’s 2027 first-round pick, as well as control of their first-round selections beginning in 2028.

Potential trade partners could include teams drafting just outside the top 10. Adams pointed to the Hawks at No. 8, Mavericks at No. 9, Bucks at No. 10 and Warriors at No. 11 as clubs that could theoretically become involved in discussions.

Of those possibilities, Murphy may be one of the most intriguing trade chips. As Adams noted, the Warriors have previously been linked to the versatile wing, while teams looking to win now would likely have interest in both Murphy and Jones.