The Pelicans have to be very patient with their youngsters amid their slow start to the 2025 NBA Summer League at Vegas.

But even a bounce back season for the Pelicans isn't enough to justify the draft move for Wright, though. "Even if New Orleans is like, 'No, it's not a problem. We're going to be good,'" Wright said.

In terms of his contract, New Orleans will be paying him just under $29 million total over the next two years, a steal for a player of his quality. The Pelicans giving up that 2026 first likely ...