Nov 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) fight for the ball in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans Make Trade

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 2:00 PM ET

After losing Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, the Indiana Pacers have fallen behind 3-2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and now have to win two consecutive contests to bring the Larry O'Brien back to Indianapolis.

However, the Pacers' front office is already looking ahead to their offseason and has decided to trade away their first-round pick this summer. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Pacers are trading their first-round pick this year, pick 23, and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for their own 2026 first-round pick that New Orleans previously acquired.

NBA draft deal: The Indiana Pacers are trading their No. 23 pick and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans for Indiana's own 2026 first-round pick back which the Pelicans had previously acquired, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 17, 2025

This deal gives the Pelicans two first-round picks in this year's draft: Nos. 7 and 23. New Orleans, which is still attempting to build around young star Zion Williamson, can use all of the young talent possible, and having two first-rounders in this year's loaded class is a great start.

In ESPN's latest 2025 NBA mock draft , they had star point guard Jeremiah Fears going seventh overall and standout wing Nique Clifford going 23rd, which would certainly be a talented duo to excite the Pelicans.

Oklahoma Sooners freshman Jeremiah Fears continues to draw intrigue as a potential Top-7 pick #NBADraft

After reclassifying to join the Sooners, Fears showcased some fantastic upside and versatility during his freshman year.

The 18-year-old guard averaged 17.1 PTS, 4.1 REB, 4.1… pic.twitter.com/x7ngXErXpI
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) June 12, 2025

This is a sneakily good move for both sides, as the Pelicans get to add another high-level rookie to their young roster and the Pacers now control their 2026 draft capital.

On top of swapping first-round picks, the Pelicans acquired the rights to Mojave King, a 23-year-old guard from New Zealand who has yet to make his NBA debut but has been able to show off his growing talent in the G League.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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