Indiana Pacers Trade No. 23 Pick and Mojave King to New Orleans Pelicans for 2026 First-Round Pick

In a move that quietly reshapes two franchises’ futures, the Indiana Pacers traded away the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, along with the rights to Mojave King, to the New Orleans Pelicans. In return? They get something that sounds unsexy on the surface but could pay off big: their own 2026 first-round pick.Yeah, it’s not flashy. But it’s smart. Let’s unpack what this trade means, not just for next year’s draft, but for how both teams are building toward their long-term goals in a league that changes fast and often without warning.

What the Indiana Pacers Gain from the Trade

At first glance, you might wonder why the Indiana Pacers would give up a solid first-round pick in a deep draft. After all, they’ve got momentum, Tyrese Haliburton is a rising star, Bennedict Mathurin is looking more polished each season, and they just made a decent playoff push.

But look closer. The Pacers are quietly dealing with a looming cap situation. With Myles Turner, Tony Bradley, and Thomas Bryant potentially headed to free agency, the front office needed to make some space, financially and strategically. Drafting a rookie in the mid-20s would’ve added another contract to the books without necessarily moving the needle in the short term.

So, instead of doubling down on another young project, they decided to reclaim their own 2026 first-rounder. That’s a pretty savvy move; it gives them more leverage in future trades, breathing room under the cap, and lets them avoid creeping too close to that dreaded luxury tax line.Plus, if things go sideways in 2026, having your pick becomes a safety net. In today’s NBA, you can’t put a price on that kind of flexibility.

How the Trade Benefits the New Orleans Pelicans

Now, the Pelicans, they’re swinging for the present. New Orleans receives the 23rd overall pick and the rights to Mojave King, a guard with size, international seasoning, and some intriguing two-way potential. He’s not a household name (yet), but the Pelicans are banking on his development curve matching their timeline.

This is a team that’s leaned hard into building through youth, think Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and a solid supporting cast of energetic role players. Adding another rookie and a potential bench contributor fits that mold. They’re not just rebuilding; they’re retooling with intent.

And let’s be honest, extra first-rounders are like gold in today’s trade market. Whether they keep the pick or flip it for another piece, the Pelicans now have options.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Trade Could Be a Quiet Game-Changer

Sometimes, trades like this slip through the cracks on draft night. No blockbuster names. No All-Star swaps. But they matter. This deal tells you exactly where both franchises stand heading into a chaotic 2025 NBA offseason.The Pacers aren’t blowing things up. They’re doing the opposite, tightening up, playing the long game, and keeping their future open-ended. They’re positioning themselves to make a bigger splash when the right opportunity comes.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, are all about immediate impact. They want players who can grow within their system and maybe even crack the rotation by next season. For a team that’s had flashes of brilliance but hasn’t quite gotten over the hump, this kind of move keeps them aggressive without mortgaging their future.Oh, and context matters: with the draft scheduled for June 25–26, the pressure’s on.

Rumors are swirling. The Dallas Mavericks reportedly have their eyes on Cooper Flagg at No. 1, and teams like the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies are making big moves to climb the draft ladder. This deal between Indiana and New Orleans might not make headlines today, but don’t be surprised if it plays a role in something bigger down the road.

Final Thoughts

The Pacers wanted freedom. The Pelicans wanted pieces. Both got what they needed.Yet,in a league where fortunes can change overnight, sometimes the quietest trades are the ones that echo the loudest a year or two later. What comes next? Stay tuned for more.