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The team's former trade moves have backfired spectacularly. The Derrick Queen trade during the 2025 draft exemplifies their poor decision-making. To leap up 10 spots and select Queen at 23rd in the draft, the Pelicans surrendered their 2026 first-round pick, which now threatens to land in Atlanta’s hands if the Pelicans finish poorly enough. This pick, in an already loaded draft class, could be a top-five selection, amplifying their blunder.