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Pacers Reclaim 2026 First-Round Pick in Trade With Pelicans

The move clears a $3.2 million cap hold to pave the way for deals involving multiple future first-round selections.

Apr 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) looks to pass the ball over New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images/File Photo
Jun 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
A view of the Indiana Pacers logo on their uniform during the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 12, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Overview

  • The Pacers traded their No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 draft and the rights to G League guard Mojave King to the New Orleans Pelicans.
  • In exchange, Indiana reacquired its own 2026 first-round pick that had been sent to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam trade.
  • The transaction eliminates a roughly $3.2 million cap hold for the 2025–26 season, boosting the Pacers’ offseason financial flexibility.
  • By securing consecutive first-round selections from 2026 through 2032, Indiana can now package up to four unprotected future first-round picks in a single trade.
  • New Orleans now holds two first-round selections, Nos. 7 and 23, in the upcoming 2025 draft, enhancing its early draft assets.