The Portland Trail Blazers are not selected in the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 NBA draft. The selection was one of the key compensations for the Portland trade, with CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, Jr. and Tony Snell heading to New Orleans at the February close. But the pick has already been handed to the Charlotte Hornets if it doesn’t fall in the NBA draft lottery, and secured the top four picks in the draft. Portland received the selection only if it fell between 5 and 14 in the draft order.
Tonight, the Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 105-101 in the final game of the NBA Play-In tournament. This win secures the Pelicans 8th place in the playoff bracket and puts the Clippers in the lottery instead. Therefore, selection from New Orleans does not fall within the range required for carriage to Portland.
Instead, the Blazers get a 2025 first-round pick originally held by the Milwaukee Bucks. This selection is Top 4 Protected. If he falls within the top four picks of the 2025 NBA draft, the Blazers will not receive compensation.
To update: Some sources now say the Blazers would receive second-round picks if the Bucks’ first-rounder didn’t call. This is in contrast to other published sources. We’ll take care of that for you over the next three years.
The Pelicans’ loss of pick limits Portland’s flexibility this summer as they look to replenish their team via the draft and/or trade.