The New Orleans Pelicans have a new future in mind. With the Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson pairing falling short of expectations, the team moved on from Ingram midway through the 2024-25 season. Now, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and Williamson could form their next core.
Holding the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Pelicans have a chance to add a real difference-maker who could join that new core. According to one analyst, the focus should be on finding an ideal fit alongside Williamson.
Could the New Orleans Pelicans Move On From C.J. McCollum?
Even with Ingram gone, the Pelicans have solid wing depth. With Murphy, Herb Jones, Bruce Brown Jr. and Williamson, they already have a strong rotation. At center, Yves Missi could be the favorite after a promising rookie year.
That puts the spotlight on the guards. On paper, the trio of Murray, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins brings youth and energy. That leaves C.J. McCollum as the odd man out. Entering the final year of his contract, a trade seems possible.
Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation, in his latest mock draft, suggested the Pelicans should explore that route while selecting Texas standout Tre Johnson with the seventh pick.
Johnson averaged close to 20 points per game and shot nearly 40 percent from deep, making him one of the best shooters in the class. O’Donnell believes his game would complement Williamson perfectly.
“A quick-trigger shooting guard who wouldn’t take the ball out of Zion Williamson’s hands,” he wrote, “could help fix the three-point issues that doomed the Pelicans’ offense this year.” With floor spacing crucial next to Williamson, Johnson fits the bill.
Tre Johnson is the best movement shooter in the 2025 NBA Draft class. Made 54.8% of his 3s off screens as a Texas freshman. Over 40% on total catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts. Shades of Ray Allen. pic.twitter.com/mzaM3w3Qhd
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 14, 2025
Standing at 6-foot-6 with promising defensive tools, Johnson could eventually replace McCollum in the backcourt and offer the team more two-way potential.
O’Donnell praised Johnson’s offensive ability, writing, “Johnson can take over a game as a scorer when he gets hot, and that’s a nice complement to have playing off Zion’s scoring gravity.”
Still, there’s some doubt Johnson will be available at No. 7. The latest mock draft from PFSN’s Keenan Warner projects him going one spot earlier to the Washington Wizards.
In that scenario, the Pelicans would pivot to Duke standout Kon Knueppel. Another top shooter in this draft, Knueppel impressed with his basketball IQ and ability to read the game.
Knueppel also brings playmaking upside, making him a strong offensive piece to build around Williamson. Between the two, Johnson may be a better fit for New Orleans’ timeline and roster needs.
The final decision might depend on what trades the Pelicans are willing to explore. McCollum or Jones could be moved this summer, and the team’s draft-night choice could hint at their offseason direction.
