Pelicans Enter 2026 NBA Draft With Just One Pick, But Trades Remain Possible

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans currently hold just one selection heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the franchise will be quiet on draft night.

FILE PHOTO: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announces the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 in New York.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

As of Monday, the Pelicans own the No. 58 overall pick in the second round of the draft, scheduled for June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. New Orleans does not currently possess a first-round selection after a series of previous trades reshaped the team’s draft assets.

The Pelicans’ original first-round pick, which landed at No. 8 overall, belongs to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a draft-pick swap agreement stemming from prior transactions. The team’s second-round pick was also traded away, although New Orleans later acquired Detroit’s second-round selection, which became the No. 58 pick.

Despite entering the draft with only one selection, league observers expect the Pelicans to remain active in trade discussions. Front-office executives across the NBA frequently use draft night to complete trades involving players, future draft picks and salary-cap considerations, and New Orleans has reportedly explored opportunities to move back into the first round.

The draft also marks an important offseason moment for the franchise as the organization continues to evaluate its roster under new head coach Jamahl Mosley. Questions surrounding the team’s long-term direction, including roster construction around Zion Williamson and other young talent, are expected to shape the Pelicans’ approach throughout the offseason.

The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft will begin Tuesday night, with the second round set for Wednesday. Both rounds will be televised nationally on ESPN, while the opening round will also air on ABC.