Overview
- Pelicans basketball chief Joe Dumars says he has no regrets about dealing an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to secure Derik Queen after landing Jeremiah Fears at No. 7.
- New Orleans sits at 3-22, making a high 2026 pick likely to convey to Atlanta under the draft-night terms.
- Queen’s recent run, highlighted by a 33-point double-double, is cited internally as evidence the costly move can pay off.
- Jordan Poole was upgraded to questionable after missing 18 games with a left quad strain and could play for the first time since November 4.
- The Rockets are not pursuing Ja Morant despite Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear, and the Spurs continue to laud Keldon Johnson’s leadership role.