The New Orleans Pelicans made one of the shocking moves of the NBA Draft.

They traded away their future first-round pick so they could move up ten spots and take Maryland star Derik Queen at No. 13.

That’s why Bill Simmons couldn’t grasp their logic.

Following the draft, he claimed that it was one of the dumbest trades of the decade.

Simmons stated that it made no sense to give up next year’s first-round pick.

“This was one of the five dumbest trades of this decade,” Simmons said.

“This was one of the five dumbest trades of this decade.”@BillSimmons was SPEECHLESS after the Pelicans traded away a 2026 unprotected first-round pick to move up 10 spots. pic.twitter.com/GpV3N53eBW

— The Ringer (@ringer) June 26, 2025

Essentially, the Atlanta Hawks will now be in possession of what might turn out to be a top-five selection.

Derik Queen is a very talented player, and he’s certainly worthy of the No. 13 pick.

However, he might not be worth giving up that much.

That’s the kind of move you make when you’re just one piece away from championship contention, and the Pelicans clearly aren’t in that position.

Even if they manage to stay healthy next season, which is a huge if, they’re still unproven.

Also, Queen nor Zion Williamson are good defenders, and having two liabilities in the paint isn’t necessarily a recipe for success, as good as they are on offense.

The Pelicans’ new brass also sent C.J. McCollum to land Jordan Poole shortly before the NBA Draft, so while they seem to have a clear vision, it seems like everybody else in the league doesn’t feel the same way.

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