The Indiana Pacers have traded their No. 23 pick and rights to Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans for their own 2026 first-round selection.
The deal gives New Orleans two first-round picks in the June 25 NBA Draft, holding the No. 7 and No. 23 selections. The Pacers' 2026 pick originally went to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam trade in 2024 before being rerouted to New Orleans when the Raptors acquired Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline this year.
Indiana's reclaimed pick was protected top-4 in both 2026 and 2027. The Pacers now control their own first-round selections for the next seven years from 2026 through 2032.
The trade clears $3.2 million in salary for Indiana during the 2025-26 season. The Pacers project to remain $20 million below the luxury tax threshold and well beneath both tax aprons.
Indiana gains additional roster flexibility for the upcoming offseason beyond reclaiming their future draft asset. The move positions the Pacers to maintain financial flexibility while securing long-term draft capital.
New Orleans benefits by adding immediate draft capital for the upcoming draft. The Pelicans can now make two first-round picks to potentially address roster needs or create additional trade opportunities.
