New Orleans Pelicans Defend Controversial Draft Trade Amid Bill Simmons Criticism

The New Orleans Pelicans' decision to trade up from the 23rd to the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, giving up an unprotected first-round pick in 2026 to select Maryland center Derik Queen, has sparked significant controversy. NBA analyst Bill Simmons criticized the trade as "one of the five dumbest trades of this decade," highlighting the risk of surrendering a potentially high lottery pick given the Pelicans' current roster challenges. In response, ESPN insider Shams Charania urged patience, suggesting that Queen's potential could justify the move if he becomes a star player. The Pelicans' social media team also joined the fray, mocking Simmons and endorsing Charania's more measured view. New GM Joe Dumars expressed strong confidence in Queen's unique skills and high basketball IQ, framing the trade as a calculated bet on the team's future. Despite the backlash, the Pelicans remain firm in their strategy, with varying opinions from experts reflecting the uncertainty of the trade's long-term impact.