With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, teams across the league are actively exploring potential moves, including the New Orleans Pelicans.
Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports shared insight into a potential Pelicans deal:
"League sources continue to cite the Pelicans as a team aggressively looking to move up in the draft, with most front-office executives believing [Ace] Bailey is the target of new general manager Joe Dumars," O'Connor said.
As a result, in O'Connor's latest mock draft, he had the Pelicans picking at No. 3.
"That’s why we’re mocking a trade here for this week’s mock, with Herb Jones and a low-value first in 2026 via the Pacers to move up four spots," O'Connor added. "Is there a chance Ace [Bailey] would make it all the way to the seventh pick? Sure. But unlikely, and this would assure the Pelicans get their man."
The mock trade features the Pelicans sending the seventh pick, a 2026 Pacers first-rounder (top-4 protected) and Herb Jones to the Philadelphia 76ers for the third pick and Kelly Oubre (player option).
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
David Banks-Imagn Images
Bailey, a six-foot-ten guard, averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists during his only season for the Rutgers Scarlett Knights.
O'Connor offered both high praise and constructive criticism regarding Bailey's playing style, stating:
"Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter" O'Connor stated. "But his shooting inconsistencies, plus his raw edges as a shot inventor and defender, need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star."