3 Trade Options the New Orleans Pelicans Could Pursue During 2025-26 NBA Season

With almost everyone healthy entering the new season, they will look to bounce back behind their core of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones as they try to make a run at a playoff spot this season.

New Orleans also made some key additions to their roster this offseason as they selected Derik Queen in the 2025 draft and acquired Jordan Poole from the Washington Wizards.

Despite these moves, the Pelicans may look to make more upgrades to their roster ahead of the trade deadline and if that is the case, they could target these three players.

Jonathan Kuminga

The Pelicans have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga this offseason but they have not been able to work out a trade with the Golden State Warriors, who are reportedly targeting Murphy III.

Despite this, New Orleans could look to make a move for Kuminga to add another young player to their roster.

While the Pelicans could show interest in Kuminga, the Warriors will likely want either Murphy III or Jones in return which might make New Orleans hold off on trading for the young forward.

Walker Kessler

While the Pelicans did add Queen and Kevon Looney alongside Yves Missi in their frontcourt this offseason, they could look to bring in another big man this season and Walker Kessler could be a potential option.

Kessler would give the Pelicans a solid center who they could start or bring off the bench who excels defensively, especially protecting the rim.

Despite this, the Utah Jazz have a high asking price for their young big man that the Pelicans may be unwilling to meet.

Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson would be a cheaper option for the Pelicans to bolster their frontcourt, though his injury history may be a cause for concern.

Of course, Robinson is a solid scorer and a great defender when healthy, though that has been a major issue for him during his NBA career.

While that may be the case, New Orleans could still target Robinson this season, though the New York Knicks may not look to move him unless they are able to acquire a key piece in return.

While the Pelicans could target these three players, they could also look elsewhere to upgrade their roster as they try to bounce back after their disappointing season last year.