So many reports have surfaced about the Pelicans front office's plans as the February 5 trade deadline gets closer. But now with the deadline just a week away, the front office's top priority is clear as day, with Jake Fischer reporting the franchise is looking to acquire a first-round pick in the 2026 class. The Pelicans' desperation to acquire a first-round pick is to make up for the franchise being pickless in the 2026 draft due to the draft-night deal with Atlanta to acquire Derik Queen.
Fischer's report mentioned that the main reason for the Pelicans' continued desire to trade second-year center Yves Missi is to acquire a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. So the front office can pair a young prospect with rookies Queen and Fears.
With the top goal now appearing to be acquiring some draft capital during the trade deadline, the Pelicans must make this happen. Given the roster and current record, the team has no shortage of talent that contending teams would be interested in, particularly if certain players are packaged together.
If the front office can’t achieve this goal, it’s time to worry
While many fans are already panicking about the Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver regime, and rightfully so, as a series of poor offseason moves have led the team to this point. That said, the panic fans feel now should reach a whole new level if they fail to acquire a first-round pick at the deadline.
Players like Zion Williamson could easily net a first-rounder at the deadline, especially with his 22.0 points per game average and the fact that he has appeared in 23 straight games. But even if the front office doesn't want to move him, they still have no excuse. As a combination of Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi could return a first-round pick, or even Dejounte Murray could if he were made available. At the end of the day, it's about the front office putting in the work and pulling the trigger.
In theory, leaving the deadline without a first-round pick isn’t catastrophic, as acquiring one in the offseason can be easier. Still, with the lack of urgency the front office has shown through a 12-37 start, they owe it to the fan base to get a first-round pick by the end of the February 5th trade deadline.
All the assets are there—it's just about cashing in on them so the front office can shift its focus further to rebuilding around a young core centered on Fears and Queen.