The New Orleans Pelicans made a big move before the 2025 NBA Draft, which takes place on June 25.
It's been reported by Shams Charania that the Pelicans agreed to trade their 2026 first-round pick to the Indiana Pacers for the No. 23 pick in this year's draft and the rights to former second-round pick Mojave King.
The move sets up the Pelicans with having multiple first round picks in the 2025 draft at pick No. 7 and No. 23.
Speculation has been rising after the Pelicans and Pacers made the trade, and it seems that New Orleans is preparing to make a big move – possibly moving up from their current top pick at No. 7 position to select a top draft prospect.
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The prospect the Pelicans could be eyeing is Rutgers guard/forward Ace Bailey.
Bailey has been projected to be a top-three pick in the draft in recent months, but it seems that his stock has been falling.
"Sources say Bailey's camp has informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-3 player in the draft, but also seeks a clear pathway to stardom, perhaps feeling comfortable that a team will trade up to get him at Nos. 3 or 4, should he drop," ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported.
Just months ago, Bailey was projected as a potential top-three pick – even a candidate for No. 1 – but the 18-year-old's stock may be slipping after he's declined to participate in a single workout for an NBA team.
At 6-foot-10, 200 pounds, Ace Bailey is a bigger guard that can also play as a forward.
In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals while leading his team alongside other top draft prospect in Dylan Harper.
Nothing has been confirmed on what move the New Orleans Pelicans will make with their two first-round picks, but it will be something to monitor as the 2025 NBA Draft is less than two weeks away.