New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars defended his controversial draft-night trade for rookie center Derik Queen, despite the team’s league-worst 3-22 record and scrutiny over surrendering significant draft capital. Dumars traded the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 13 selection used on Queen.
The trade immediately became one of the most scrutinized moves in recent draft history. Multiple opposing general managers told ESPN they would never have traded an unprotected first-round pick, especially with the 2026 draft expected to be loaded at the top.
“I get it. So much of today’s NBA narrative is around picks and different things like that,” Dumars told ESPN. “I’m trying to build culture here with some really good young players, and I gave up some draft capital to do that. And I love the two young players we have. I hope that doesn’t get lost in all of this.”
Queen has displayed flashes of elite talent early in his rookie season. He became the first rookie center with a 30-point triple-double in NBA history on Monday against San Antonio, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
The former Maryland star is averaging 12.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists since being inserted into the starting lineup. He also became the first center to outscore Nikola Jokic in a game this season, dropping 30 points against the three-time MVP.
Dumars selected point guard Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 before trading up for Queen. Through 25 games, the rookie duo has combined to score the fourth-most points by any first-year tandem in the past 15 seasons, according to Elias Sports Bureau.