Pacers Make Unexpected Trade During NBA Finals
On June 17, the Indiana Pacers traded their 2025 No. 23 overall pick and Mojave King’s rights to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Indiana’s original 2026 first-round pick during the NBA Finals.
Right now, the Pacers are in the middle of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunders. They are trailing behind 2-3, waiting for their sixth game on June 19 at 8:30 pm. Although it is very rare to see teams dealing during the NBA Finals, it is reasonable since the NBA Draft is just a week away. Furthermore, this move may have been important for future deals that New Orleans may hope to obtain since it gives them an additional first-round pick. Now, they have more assets to engage in coming trades that can improve their team.
The Pacers were fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record. To make their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks. On the other hand, the Pelicans were in the fourteenth seed position at the Western Conference with a 21-61 record. Unfortunately, they were unable to qualify for the NBA Playoffs despite having an impressive roster of players like Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum.
Because Indiana already has a pretty full roster for next season, it appears that they initiated the trade to ensure some future flexibility in picking so they can make deals with players they desperately want. The Pacers also save quite a bit of money by trading away their first-round pick, since they can avoid luxury tax when signing players like Myles Turner.
For the Pelicans, acquiring the No. 23 pick in this year’s draft allows them to add new talents to their team, especially since they are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season. Gaining the rights to Mojave King gives them an advantage as well.
Although the trades do not benefit the Pacers as of right now, it can make the path forward a little easier. Whether they win or lose the Finals this year, they are clearly looking ahead and carefully calculating their next steps.