Here are five players the New Orleans Pelicans could realistically trade before the NBA draft.
The 2026 NBA draft is later this month, which now puts trade conversations to the front of mind for teams that aren't the San Antonio Spurs or New York Knicks.
As of now, the New Orleans Pelicans don't pick until No. 58 overall, but that could change. This is an aggressive front office who could make some phone calls and move up. They could also receive calls of teams offering picks for some of their players.
Given that the Pelicans have had back-to-back abysmal years. The front office won't rule anything out when making deals. Here are five players in New Orleans who could end up involved with a trade before the draft:
G Dejounte Murray
When Murray came back from injury, things actually looked good for the Pelicans. They had a stretch of above .500 ball, and Murray looked like he could be the missing piece for what James Borrego was trying to pull off in New Orleans. Now there is a new head coach, though, and Murray is going to be 30 and making a lot of money. It would not be shocking at all see Dumars try to flip him.
G Jordan Poole
It would be more shocking if Poole suited up for the Pelicans next season than if they trade him. He is on an expiring deal worth $34 million, and ended up being a healthy scratch by the end of last year. They took a swing on a streaky shooter and missed, though they did end up finding Saddiq Bey out of the whole ordeal.
C Yves Missi
Missi is an ultra-raw, ultra-athletic center who has been playing the sport of basketball for less than a decade. He was the No. 21 pick back in 2024 and has a high ceiling, but he isn't a great fit next to Derik Queen and that could end up signaling the end for him in New Orleans, given that they hope to build around Queen. If they can get quality draft capital back from someone who needs an athletic center, they'd probably take it.
G/F Herb Jones
Jones is one name that many fans are hoping not to see. He is an elite defensive presence, and his impact on the Pelicans was most shown by how much their plans fell apart without him on the court last year. His offensive output is shaky at best, but that doesn't matter. He is also still on a team-friendly deal through the end of the 2029/2030 season. Out of the core players (starters/premier young players), he feels like the most likely to get moved.
G/F Trey Murphy III
Murphy is the most talked-about New Orleans trade piece, because he is the most sought-after. He is a 26-year-old wing who could be in both the three-point and dunk contests each year, scored 21.5 points per game last season and is on a team-friendly deal. The Pelicans could get a haul for him, but they would also be fine keeping him around.
