As the trade deadline draws near, the New Orleans Pelicans are zeroing in on a clear goal: reacquire a 2026 first-round pick. That’s a priority for the front office, especially after sending their own ’26 first-rounder to Atlanta last June in the deal that brought in Derik Queen. With the franchise committed to building around its young core, that missing pick looms large as they consider their next move.
Now, don’t expect the Pelicans to shake the foundation. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones remain off-limits in trade talks.
That trio represents the heart of what New Orleans is building, and the team isn’t looking to break that up. But if they’re serious about landing a 2026 first-rounder, the most realistic path might run through Yves Missi.
Missi, the second-year big man, is a name to watch. While there’s no guarantee he’s moved in the next week, he’s drawing interest - and the Pelicans know it.
Internally, there’s still belief in his upside. The front office is intrigued by the idea of seeing Missi and Queen share the floor more, a pairing that could offer a new dimension to the frontcourt.
But there’s also a growing sense that Missi might be open to a change of scenery, especially if it means stepping into a full-time starting role.
That part matters. Missi started 67 games as a rookie, but his role has shifted this season, with most of his minutes now coming off the bench.
Around the league, there’s been quiet chatter about his desire for a bigger role. If the Pelicans can flip him for a first-rounder - and if the market for centers heats up over the next few days - that could be the kind of deal that makes both sides happy.
Elsewhere on the roster, there’s been some noise - and some rumors that don’t hold up. Talk of a blockbuster involving Ja Morant heading to New Orleans in a package centered around Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray?
That’s not happening. The Pelicans aren’t pursuing Morant, largely because they see Jeremiah Fears as their long-term answer at point guard.
That said, Poole and Murray are both names to keep an eye on. There’s a sense that New Orleans would like to move at least one of them before the deadline.
And with reports that Murray and his camp might be open to a fresh start, the timing could be right. Both players have had moments, but the fit in New Orleans hasn’t always been seamless.
Jose Alvarado, meanwhile, continues to draw interest from around the league - including from the Spurs - but don’t expect him to push for a move. According to sources close to the situation, Alvarado wants to stay in New Orleans. He’s a fan favorite, a tone-setter on defense, and someone the locker room clearly values.
Then there’s Jordan Hawkins. The former lottery pick has struggled to find his rhythm this season, averaging just 4.3 points in 14.1 minutes per game while shooting .320 from the field and .301 from three. Both Hawkins and the team are reportedly open to exploring a trade that could give him a fresh start elsewhere.
One under-the-radar development: the Pelicans are high on two-way player Bryce McGowens. So high, in fact, that they’re looking to find a way to promote him to a standard multiyear deal.
The challenge? The roster is currently full.
But with multiple moving parts ahead of the deadline, there’s a real possibility that a spot opens up - and McGowens could be the next young piece to earn a longer look.
Bottom line: the Pelicans are walking a tightrope between competing now and continuing to build for the future. They’re not tearing anything down, but they’re not standing pat either. With a few calculated moves - especially if they can land that elusive 2026 first-rounder - New Orleans could walk away from this deadline in a stronger position on both fronts.