The New Orleans Pelicans made one of the most significant moves in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, trading up 10 spots to select Derik Queen, a center from Maryland at No. 13 overall.
To acquire Queen, the Pelicans sent the rights to No. 23 pick Asa Newell and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to Atlanta. The move brings a powerful interior presence to head coach Willie Green’s roster as the team looks to build momentum heading into next season.
Pelicans Earn ‘A’ Grade for Selecting Derik Queen at No. 13 After Trading Up In NBA Draft
According to PFSN’s most recent draft grades, the Pelicans came away from the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the top-performing teams, earning an ‘A’ grade after trading up to land Queen.
First look at Maryland star Derik Queen with his new squad in NOLA 😤
How far will this team go? 👀 pic.twitter.com/sqeqNB8I5v
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2025
“Queen might not be a defensive anchor, but his size, toughness, and instincts give him a solid foundation. He offers post scoring, court vision, and toughness, all traits that could complement the Pelicans’ core,” PFSN’s draft experts wrote on Queen.
Recall that Queen led Maryland to its first Sweet 16 appearance in over a decade. The Pelicans rookie, at 6’9″, was one of the most physically imposing prospects in the entire 2025 Draft class, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in his final season of NCAA Basketball.
Where Queen truly separates himself is as a playmaker. As one of the best passing centers in the draft, he has the vision to read defenses and the skill to deliver highlight-reel passes that bring out the best in his teammates.
Note that the Pelicans already have another physical presence at center in 6’11” Yves Missi who enters his sophomore season in New Orleans after being drafted at the end of the first round in 2024. He averaged 8.2 rebounds in his rookie campaign.
Maryland star Derik Queen is heading to Pelicans with the No. 13 pick 🔥
The Big Ten Freshman of the Year led the Terps to the Sweet 16 🙌 pic.twitter.com/89iRqxigQW
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2025
With both Missi and Queen, the Pelicans have two players capable of disrupting play around the rim with their power, potentially elevating the best traits out of teammates like Trey Murphy III.
Famously, the last time the Hawks traded out of a first-round pick, Luka Dončić ended up in Dallas, while Atlanta received Trae Young and an unprotected first-rounder in return. Dončić would go on to become one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Now, the Pelicans are hoping their bold decision to trade up for Queen brings a similar return. The move is widely viewed as a gamble, especially after giving up an unprotected first-round pick, but New Orleans is betting on the Maryland standout to elevate the roster and become one of the most impactful rookies next season.
