The blockbuster trade in 2019 between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers continues to impact both franchises. While the trade’s headline was the exchange of star players like Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram, the future draft capital was a critical element for the Pelicans. This strategic move is still paying off five years later.
Pelicans Defer Pick to 2025
With a pre-established deadline of June 1, the Pelicans officially decided to defer their rights to a future first-round pick from the Lakers to 2025. This year, the Pelicans had the option to take over the Lakers’ first-rounder, who is No. 17 overall. However, they opted to push this to next June, basing that selection on the Lakers’ performance in the 2024–25 season. The consensus among NBA draft analysts is that the 2025 draft class is expected to be more talented and productive than the current one, which will join the league later this month.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/HiGnPH0l6t
— Bernie (@BernieKnowsBall) April 22, 2024
Strategic Decision
New Orleans’ decision to defer the pick underscores their strategic approach to building a competitive team. The Pelicans believe that the potential talent available in the 2025 draft will be more beneficial for their long-term plans. By deferring the pick, they also gain the flexibility to leverage their draft position based on how the Lakers fare in the upcoming season. This calculated gamble could result in a higher and more valuable pick if the Lakers struggle.
Despite deferring the Lakers’ pick, the Pelicans still hold their first-round selection, which is No. 21 overall in this year’s draft. This will be the first time the NBA splits the annual draft into two nights. The first round will occur on June 26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with ABC and ESPN televising the event. The second round, featuring 28 picks this year due to Philadelphia and Phoenix vacating selections for tampering violations, will air the following evening.
New Orleans Pelicans have scheduled a draft workout with Purdue center Zach Edey.
The Pelicans have the No. 21 overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft.
With multiple reports indicating that Jonas Valanciunas may not return to NOLA because of perceived fit alongside their star… pic.twitter.com/F61bt1h7Tm
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) May 30, 2024
New Orleans’ strategic deferral of the Lakers’ pick to 2025 demonstrates their forward-thinking approach and commitment to maximizing their assets for future success.
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