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New Orleans Pelicans Announce Controversial Trade During NBA Draft
Mar 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Pelicans logo on the shorts of forward Zion Williamson (1) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans Announce Controversial Trade During NBA Draft

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI  |  By Ben Stinar  |  Last updated Jun 26, 2025 3:05 AM ET

On Wednesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans had the 23rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

They made the decision to trade up for 13th by making a deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Via Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com: "The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired the draft rights to Derik Queen (13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft) from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the draft rights to Asa Newell (23rd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft) and a future first round pick."

The Pelicans faced a lot of backlash for the move.

@french_pelican: "SELL THE TEAM"

@MadMannSports: "No, no

Highlight the most important word in the graphic

UNPROTECTED"

@Trishanth: "can we trade management next pls"

Russillo: "Pelicans giving up next years pick is insane"


This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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