The Indiana Pacers have traded their No. 23 pick in next week’s NBA draft to the New Orleans Pelicans, reacquiring a first-round pick of their own in 2026. The deal also sends the rights to former Indiana G League player Mojave King to New Orleans.
The trade allows the Pacers to clear out nearly $3.2 million from their salary cap space, leaving them with more financial flexibility during the offseason. With this new development, the Pacers will possess a first-round pick in seven consecutive drafts starting in 2026.
Prior to this trade, the Pacers had sent their 2026 pick to Toronto as part of the Brandon Ingram deal last season. The Pelicans then acquired the pick from the Raptors earlier this year. Now, New Orleans owns two picks in the first round – Nos. 7 and 23 – for the June 25-26 draft.
The Pacers will return most of their current roster to the playoffs, with Myles Turner’s future uncertain as an unrestricted free agent. The team trails Oklahoma City 3-2 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals, with Game 6 set for Thursday in Indianapolis.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45531729/sources-pacers-trading-no-23-overall-draft-pick-pelicans