What happened: The New Orleans Pelicans are prioritizing a center addition despite having Derik Queen. The pursuit could reshape Queen’s role entering the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters: Adding another center would affect Queen’s minutes and the Pelicans’ frontcourt development plan. Using draft capital would further increase the cost of addressing a position already occupied by a productive young player.

What to watch: Watch whether the Pelicans complete a center deal and how the newcomer would fit alongside Queen.