Here are three players expected to go early in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft, who the New Orleans Pelicans could consider trading up for.
The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be tempted in the 2026 NBA draft to trade up since they don't pick until No. 58, but they don't have to move all the way up into the first round to find some good talent.
The Pelicans found a solid role player last year at No. 40 overall in Micah Peavy. He isn't a star player, but is someone they can rely on to play and provide solid minutes off the bench.
Right now, they just need to find complimentary pieces, and that can be found in the second round of this draft. Here are some players expected to go around the beginning of the second round, that New Orleans could consider moving up for:
Baylor Bears G Tounde Yessoufou
There is a lot of debate about whether Yessoufou should declare right now, or head back to college. If he does end up going to the draft and falling into the second round, he is a good enough talent to consider moving assets for, and could be a nice fit to Jeremiah Fears in the long run.
The 20-year-old averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists last year for the Bears. That level of rebounding, with 2.4 being offensive, is incredibly valuable. He isn't a fantastic shooter right now, but has good enough tools to go without. Fears should be able to lighten some of the shooting load if Yessoufou becomes at least average.
KK Mega Basket C Luis Suigo
Every team in the NBA, especially the Western Conference, will be scrambling to find an answer to Victor Wembanyama throughout the next decade. Suigo at least has the size fit that profile at 7-foot-4, 289 pounds.
Suigo averged 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game on 55.8/30.0/63.2 shooting splits. He attempted 1.9 threes a game, so he will certainly be someone who stretches the floor on offense while trying to take over the paint on defense.
Louisville Cardinals G Ryan Conwell
Jordan Poole didn't work out? Oh well, try again. Conwell is an all-offense shooting guard who as a quick trigger and would help speed up the offense off the bench.
He averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 40.8/34.5/83.2 shooting splits. He attempted 9.6 threes a night, so the lesser efficiency makes sense. He shot 41.3% on 7.1 attempts the season before, as well, so there is potential for him to mix efficiency and volume.
