Derik Queen, the standout center from Maryland, is gaining attention as a promising prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, particularly from the New Orleans Pelicans. He had an impressive freshman season, where he averaged 16.5 points, 9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 52.6% from the field.

His versatility and defensive capabilities make him a top candidate in the draft. Queen showcased his skills during the combine, impressing scouts with a 7-foot wingspan. His record-setting scoring performance and ability to dominate games set him apart as a key player the Pelicans may target, especially with their recent acquisition of a second first-round pick.

The Indiana Pacers made a strategic move during the NBA Finals, trading the No. 23 pick and the rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the rights to their own 2026 first-round pick. This trade allows the Pacers to regain control of their future picks and create additional cap space, as they aim to re-sign Myles Turner. The Pelicans now possess the No. 7 and No. 23 picks, giving them flexibility to trade up or enhance their roster.

This clever transaction not only alleviates immediate financial pressure for Indiana but also positions the franchise to potentially trade multiple first-round picks in the upcoming offseason. Having nearly $20 million below the luxury tax line, the Pacers are in a strong position to maintain competitiveness while managing their finances efficiently.

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant move ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, trading their 2026 first-round pick to the Indiana Pacers for the No. 23 pick in this year's draft along with the rights to Mojave King. This positions the Pelicans well with two first-round picks, No. 7 and No. 23, enabling potential trade-ups to secure a top-tier prospect. Speculation is rife about their interest in Rutgers guard/forward Ace Bailey. Despite earlier projections placing him among the top three picks, Bailey's stock seems to be declining after opting out of workouts, which could lead to a team trading up to secure him if he drops further.

The Philadelphia 76ers, equipped with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, are at a crucial juncture in their quest to reclaim Eastern Conference supremacy. Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey form a formidable core, yet the team is grappling with the need for youth as Embiid ages and recovers from knee surgery. The front office faces multiple pathways: they can select a potential star or trade down to acquire win-now players.

Potential targets for the No. 3 pick include Ace Bailey from Rutgers and VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, both of whom exhibit significant upside. However, the dilemma remains—can the Sixers develop these talents while simultaneously pursuing a championship? Another viable route involves trading down and targeting established players like New Orleans' Herb Jones, who fits the bill for immediate impact with his impressive shooting and defensive accolades.

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a strategic move by acquiring the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft from the Indiana Pacers. This trade, first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, also includes the draft rights to Mojave King, the 47th overall pick in the 2023 Draft. To facilitate this, the Pacers have regained their own 2026 first-round pick, previously traded to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal. This transaction is expected to offer the Pacers salary-cap relief as they aim to re-sign center Myles Turner.

With this acquisition, the Pelicans now possess two first-round picks (Nos. 7 and 23) for the upcoming draft, indicating their intent to revamp a team that recently finished with a dismal 21-61 record. They have been conducting predraft workouts with numerous prospects, suggesting a focused approach to enhancing their roster through this draft.