The Pelicans hold only the 58th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after multiple prior trades sent away their first-round selection. They acquired Derik Queen in a previous deal that cost them an unprotected 2026 first-rounder now headed to Atlanta. Queen earned NBA All-Rookie second-team honors after playing 81 games in his debut season.

New Orleans needs to add frontcourt size and perimeter shooting to support Zion Williamson in his eighth season and pair with Queen inside. The late second-round slot limits options for immediate contributors, but the roster lacks spacing behind its core pieces and could benefit from versatile wings or stretch bigs who fit a motion-heavy scheme. Trading the pick remains an option if it yields a veteran rotation player instead.

The selection will likely serve as developmental depth heading into training camp, with the team focused on building around Queen and existing talent rather than major roster overhauls this summer. Any move at 58 could also position the Pelicans for future flexibility in 2027 and beyond.