Despite being in the middle of a finals battle, the Indiana Pacers have struck a clever trade with the New Orleans. The Pacers sent their 2025 first-round pick (No. 23) and the rights to guard Mojave King to New Orleans, receiving back their 2026 first-round pick—originally theirs, then traded to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam deal, which later ended up in New Orleans via the Brandon Ingram trade.
We have re-acquired the rights to our 2026 first-round draft pick from the New Orleans Pelicans (originally conveyed to Toronto as part of the Pascal Siakam trade) in exchange for the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and the draft rights to guard Mojave King.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 17, 2025
Learn more:… pic.twitter.com/UmVDtOqj0l
Why Indiana did it
- Trade flexibility: Indiana now holds its first-round picks from 2026 through 2032, allowing them to make bigger trade packages. Without it, they were severely limited on what picks they could have included due to the Stepien Rule.
Smart deal for Indiana. By acquiring their own first next year, the Pacers will be able to trade firsts in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032. Plus swaps in 27, 29 + 31
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 17, 2025
Previously, they were restricted to just this year, 29 and 31 due to protections on the pick that lasted through 27. https://t.co/e29FUyPFsG
- Saves cap space: The move frees nearly $3.2 million (the likely salary for whoever we took at 23) and places the Pacers around $20 million below the luxury tax, helping them manage contracts—including Myles Turner’s upcoming free agency.
Why it benefits New Orleans
- Adds draft capital: The Pelicans now hold two first-rounders in 2025 (Nos. 7 and 23), boosting their ability to draft or trade.
Check out Tony East's breakdown below. He's always excellent at explaining the business side of things.
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