The Pelicans will hold the first pick in the draft this year due to them winning the NBA draft lottery, along with two second-round draft picks. On June 15, the Pelicans agreed to a trade involving star forward/center
Anthony Davis where, in exchange for a few of the
Los Angeles Lakers' young, promising players, they also acquired a multitude of first-round draft picks, one of which includes the fourth selection of this year's draft. However, the trade was not finalized until July 6. On the night of the draft, the Pelicans agreed to a deal with the
Atlanta Hawks, where they would give up the Lakers' fourth pick of the draft (which became
De'Andre Hunter from the
University of Virginia), their 57th pick, a future second-round pick, and
Solomon Hill in exchange for Picks 8, 17, and 35. Just like their trade with the Lakers, however, this trade wasn't finalized until July 6. With the #1 of the draft, New Orleans selected star power forward
Zion Williamson from
Duke University. In his only season in Duke, Williamson earned many honors and awards for his play, including the consensus
National College Player of the Year. With the 39th pick, the Pelicans acquired Serbian power forward
Alen Smailagić from the
Santa Cruz Warriors in the
NBA G League, but traded him to the
Golden State Warriors for two future second-round picks and cash considerations. With the 57th pick, the Pelicans selected point guard
Jordan Bone from the
University of Tennessee. He would end up being traded to the
Detroit Pistons after multiple trades. ==Roster==