The New Orleans Pelicans sent shockwaves through the NBA with their bold draft-night move, signaling a new direction under Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
Since taking the reins, Dumars has wasted no time reshaping the franchise, and the decision to trade up for rookie Derik Queen – at a steep cost – has league executives and fans alike buzzing about the team’s future.
The deal, and the fallout from it, highlight the pressure facing the Pelicans as they try to build a winner in a competitive Western Conference.
Multiple Executives Couldn’t Believe Pelicans Trade
On draft night, Dumars made one of the more controversial deals in recent memory. The Pelicans acquired the No. 13 pick to select Queen, sending the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick – most favorable between New Orleans and Milwaukee – to the Atlanta Hawks.
The move drew immediate criticism from around the league, with many questioning the logic behind such a hefty price for a mid-lottery selection.
For anyone who missed the details, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news, and the reaction was swift. The trade was widely panned, especially given the uncertain value of the future pick and the Pelicans’ recent struggles.
The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo explained the skepticism, noting that the Pelicans’ aggressive approach under new leadership has raised eyebrows.
The “There’s a new sheriff in town” approach of the Pelicans’ management is horrifying.@ryenarussillo on New Orleans’s wild trade last night. pic.twitter.com/tsdVWKwPt3
The Ringer (@ringer) June 26, 2025
Pelicans beat writer Shamit Dua reported on his Substack that multiple executives were stunned by the trade. “That is the worst draft trade I have seen in over a decade,” one Eastern Conference executive told Dua. Another added, “They should all be fired next year when that becomes a top 5 pick.”
The criticism was relentless. “One after another… it was a ruthless bombardment. ‘Are they not aware of how good that pick is gonna be?’” Dua wrote, describing the reaction from league insiders.
The disbelief extended to the Hawks’ front office, who reportedly struggled to believe the Pelicans’ offer was genuine.
According to Dua, one Eastern executive familiar with the negotiations described a surreal scene. When a Pelicans executive, identified as Troy Weaver, called Atlanta’s Bryson Graham, Graham repeatedly asked for clarification on the unprotected pick.
The confusion reached the point where Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh called Dumars directly to confirm the details. The Hawks, reportedly nervous that Dumars might reconsider, were relieved when the deal went through.
Queen now faces immense pressure to justify the Pelicans’ investment. If he struggles early, he will likely shoulder unfair blame for a decision that was made far above his pay grade.
For Dumars and the Pelicans, the stakes are high: This trade will be remembered as either a bold gamble or a costly mistake, depending on how Queen – and that future pick – pan out.
