The New Orleans Pelicans were not part of Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery. The Pels made it to the playoffs this year, albeit another first-round exit, which means that they were disqualified from attaining a Top 14 pick in Sunday’s lottery.
According to reports, however, New Orleans could be looking to make a move to acquire a top pick for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft — a plan that is centered around superstar Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans Interested in Moving Up Draft Board
NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported on Sunday that the Pelicans could be preparing to make a move that will see them get their hands on one of the top picks in the upcoming draft:
“Pelicans Update: New Orleans are interested in moving into the top of the 2024 NBA Draft, I’m told. Pelicans believe that there are a few guys at the top of this draft they can pair with Zion Williamson to elevate them to the next level,” Robinson reported.
Robinsons stated that the Pels are “interested in moving into the top” of the draft, which could mean that they are eyeing the No. 1 overall pick. The Atlanta Hawks somehow managed to secure the top pick in Sunday’s lottery despite having just a 3% chance to do so, which means that New Orleans could be gearing up to hold talks with the Hawks about a potential blockbuster trade.
Brandon Ingram Out?
This new bit of information from Robinson somehow coincides with an earlier report by NBA guru Marc Stein, who stated that the Pelicans could be looking to trade Brandon Ingram this summer. Moving into the top of the draft would require a significant sacrifice for New Orleans, and this could apparently come in the form of the All-Star small forward Brandon Ingram.
For what it’s worth, mock drafts have 7-foot-1 big man Papi Sarr as the projected first-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. It’s possible that the Pelicans are looking to pair the 19-year-old with Williamson for a new-look frontcourt.
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