Pacers Make Strategic Move with the Pelicans
The Indiana Pacers have finalized a key trade involving their first-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft. In a move that redefines their strategy, the Pacers sent their number 23 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans, in exchange for regaining their own first-round pick in 2026.
In the agreement, the Pelicans also obtained the rights to former Indiana G League player Mojave King. This move provides the Pacers with greater financial flexibility heading into the offseason, a crucial aspect for their future plans.
The trade frees up approximately $3.2 million in cap space for the Pacers. Now, the team owns its own first-round picks in seven consecutive drafts, starting in 2026.
The Pacers are projected to begin the offseason about $20 million below the luxury tax and well below the salary caps.
Initially, the Pacers had sent their 2026 pick to the Raptors as part of the trade to acquire Pascal Siakam. Toronto, in turn, traded that pick to New Orleans earlier this year as part of the deal for Brandon Ingram.
With this move, the Pelicans now have two picks in the first round of the draft from June 25-26, located at positions 7 and 23.
Mojave King, 23 years old, was selected in the second round in 2023 and last played in the G League in the 2023-24 season, participating in 15 games with the Indiana Mad Ants. During the past season, he played professionally in Puerto Rico and in his native New Zealand.
The Pacers, who are competing in the NBA Finals for the first time since the year 2000, plan to keep most of their current core, with the possible exception of center Myles Turner, who will become an unrestricted free agent.
In the NBA Finals series, the Pacers are behind the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 3-2. The sixth game will be played on Friday in Indianapolis.
