RealGM

The New Orleans Pelicans will defer the first round pick they are owed from the Los Angeles Lakers from the 2024 draft to the 2025 edition. The Lakers own the 17th overall pick in what is widely considered a down draft, whereas the 2025 draft is expected to be strong. There are also a number of potential scenarios where the Lakers end up sending the Pelicans a higher pick in 2025.

The Lakers traded three future first round picks to the Pelicans in 2019 as part of the Anthony Davis trade.

David Griffin informed Rob Pelinka of his decision on Friday, one day ahead of the deadline.

The Pelicans own the No. 21 pick in the draft.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski, Jonathan Givony/ESPN

While I'm sure they're some salary cap considerations going into this decision, I like that the Pelicans are effectively betting on the Lakers to be worse next year. I find some entertainment in that

With the 17th pick the Los Angeles Lakers select Bronny James

Future Coach wrote:While I'm sure they're some salary cap considerations going into this decision, I like that the Pelicans are effectively betting on the Lakers to be worse next year. I find some entertainment in that

While thats a possibility the main reason is the draft next year is way stronger so the 20th pick is better than 17

Future Coach wrote:While I'm sure they're some salary cap considerations going into this decision, I like that the Pelicans are effectively betting on the Lakers to be worse next year. I find some entertainment in that

If they consider the draft class next year to be better, they could as well see the Lakers perform on the same or even a slightly better level. Its not like the difference between pick 15 or 17 or 20 finna change the quality of availiable players a lot.

That’s horrible. You can’t tell me there isn’t one team above the 17th spot that would not have traded out for a 2025 pick. Clear overpay. More so if they reach for Bronny James there…. Good lord.

Future Coach wrote:While I'm sure they're some salary cap considerations going into this decision, I like that the Pelicans are effectively betting on the Lakers to be worse next year. I find some entertainment in that

Haha. I'm with you on that. If I was a betting man I'd consider next year to be farewell tour for Bron.