New Orleans Pelicans: 3 things to watch for in the 2022 NBA Draft
New Orleans Pelicans draft: The trade back
Most draft experts have several tiers for the first round, and there is usually a drop-off after the top-5 and again after 10-15, though history has shown that experts are often dead wrong, just ask All-Rookie Herbert Jones, who was taken in the 2nd round.
The Pelicans don’t need this draft pick to contribute right away, and might feel that the difference between 8 and 15 is negligible, so they could potentially move back with a team like OKC or Charlotte to recoup extra assets or clear an unwanted salary.
Related Story. The Suns reportedly are eyeing deal with the Pelicans. light
The Thunder have the 12th pick and are reportedly willing to trade it to move up, so the Pels might be able to get one of their many future first-round picks, take a flyer on a one of their young players, or get off the contract of someone like Devonte’ Graham in exchange for moving back four spots.
The Hornets have both the 13th and 15th picks to try and move up, though the Pelicans may not be interested in adding two picks considering they already have 14 players under contract for next season and don’t need any more young guys who aren’t likely to play anyway.
But there are myriad possibilities once you add a third team, so New Orleans will definitely be listening to offers for the 8th pick, especially if Daniels and Mathurin are gone.