The Pelicans are looking to add ready-to-play depth to their team after being decimated by injuries and trading away both Dyson Daniels and CJ McCollum in the past year, so New Orleans' draft picks could be crucial in the 2025-26 season.

OU basketball true freshman guard Jeremiah Fears was selected No. 7 overall in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans.

Joe Dumars was given the reins to the Pelicans franchise in April and just three months in, things are off to a dubious start. New Orleans traded the No. 23 overall pick, which turned into Georgia big man Asa Newell, and their 2026 unprotected first-round pick in exchange for the Hawks’ No. 13 selection.