The Indiana Pacers have made a strategic move to reclaim their future assets, reacquiring their original 2026 first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans. In a trade finalized this week, Indiana sent their 2025 first-round pick (23rd overall) along with the draft rights to Mojave King to the Pelicans in exchange for the 2026 pick that had previously changed hands.
This deal marks a calculated decision by the Pacers to shift focus toward long-term flexibility. The 2026 first-round selection, which initially belonged to Indiana, had been dealt to the Toronto Raptors in a 2024 trade that brought All-Star forward Pascal Siakam to the Pacers. That pick later ended up with the Pelicans via a separate transaction involving Brandon Ingram.
The full trade breakdown is as follows:
Pelicans receive:
- 2025 first-round pick (No. 23)
- Draft rights to Mojave King
Pacers receive:
- 2026 first-round pick (originally theirs, acquired by Pelicans via Toronto)
Mojave King, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from New Zealand, was selected 47th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and was acquired by Indiana in a Draft-night trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 2023–24 season, he played for the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers’ G League affiliate, averaging 3.9 points per game. Prior to that, King had a stint with the NBA G League Ignite and later appeared in 17 games with the New Zealand Breakers, where he averaged 8.5 points and 1.9 rebounds.
The decision to part ways with King and a mid-first-round pick next year underlines Indiana’s intent to maintain a strong position in future drafts, particularly in a year where they expect greater roster flexibility and potentially fewer protected picks in play.
With a young and competitive core already in place and a focus on continued development, the Pacers’ reacquisition of their 2026 first-rounder adds a valuable asset back into their war chest. This move sets Indiana up for more maneuverability as they build around emerging talents and seek to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
