According to ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony, the New Orleans Pelicans face an important decision: whether to notify Los Angeles by 11:59 p.m. PST on June 2
Los Angeles Lakers (NBA team)
Select this year's first-round pick or defer it until 2025. This decision by the Pelicans will have a direct impact on the future layout of both teams.
Multiple sources have revealed that the Pelicans may be inclined to defer the pick until next year, unless the pick is used in a trade. If the Pelicans decide to defer the pick, then this year's No. 17 pick would go to the Lakers. Considering that the Lakers are currently weighing the possibility of adding a third star to the team, this year's pick could become an important bargaining chip in trade talks.
In the Anthony Davis trade, the Lakers gave up multiple draft picks, including an unprotected first-round pick in 2024. The Pelicans have the right to choose to take that pick this year or delay it until next year. This gives the Pelicans more flexibility in their draft pick selection.
For the Lakers, they would love to get the Pelicans' 2024 draft pick in order to pick up promising young players in this year's draft to further strengthen the team. However, the Pelicans' decision will depend on their plans for the future and their assessment of the current market.
As draft day approaches, it will become clearer where the rights to this trade belong. Regardless of the outcome, it will have a significant impact on the future of both teams. We look forward to seeing both teams make smart decisions in the draft market and build a solid foundation for their future.
