During the 2024-25 season, the New Orleans Pelicans finished 21-61. For the first time since 2012-13, the team finished with 30 wins in the regular season.
The Pelicans had a 12.5% chance on the #1 pick and a 48.1% chance on top four picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. New Orleans finished with their seventh pick after the lottery took place. Three picks lower than initially predicted. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor reported that the team is “actively watching” to move up in the 2025 draft. Their target is Ace Bailey of the Rugets, who played one season with the Scarlet Knights.
Will Pelican trade up in the 2025 draft to choose Ace Bailey?
Pelican focuses on Ace Bailey on trade-up scenario https://t.co/gua6j2wows
-realgm (@Realgm) June 13, 2025
Pelicans longing Rutgers Ace Bailey, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. New Orleans owns its seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Bailey is expected to be a top five selection. If the Pelicans are serious about adding Bailey to the roster, they have to trade up. O’Connor reported that New Orleans is “actively watching” to rise in this year’s draft.
In his latest mock draft, the Pelicans are trading with the 76ers to score a #3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Many draft analysts have Cooper Flag and Dylan Harper as their first two selections. If New Orleans trades to the third pick, Ace Bailey will certainly be there for filming. To raise the four spots, Kevin O’Connor predicts that the Pelican will send the Pacer’s top four protected first round in 2026, sending Herb Jones to the Six.
Ace Bailey played one season with Rutgers from 2024-25. He started all 30 games. The 18-year-old averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steel and 1.3 blocks per 1.3 game. His professional comparisons to be made into the draft are Paul George and Brandon Miller. Bailey has a 7-foot wingspan, which he uses as a versatile, two-way wing. The 2025 NBA Draft will take place on Wednesday, June 25th. See if the Pelican can trade and draft Rutgers’ Ace Bailey.