Ranking the New Orleans Pelicans top 6 trade assets

#3: Draft Capital

In addition to drafting such notable talents as Jones, Murphy, and Williamson, the Pelicans still have an impressive stash of picks; in addition to the 14th pick in the 2023 Draft and all of their own future firsts, New Orleans also has the rights to the Los Angles Lakers first-round pick in either 2024 or 2025. They also own the Milwaukee Bucks’ firsts in 2025 (protected for selections 5-30) and 2027 (unprotected), as well as pick swaps in 2024 and 2026.

That’s a grand total of 10 potential firsts between now and 2029, plus two pick swaps, the second of which could prove lucrative by combining an assortment of these picks with the salary of Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance Jr., or some of the high-quality assets on this team could land the Pelicans one of several star players who may hit the market this offseason or upcoming.

The Pelicans have had a fair amount of draft success in recent years, but there’s no question they should explore opportunities to move a few of them if they feel it can lead to a difference-maker.