League Notes: Pelicans Pass on Morant, Mavericks Lean Toward Keeping No. 9 Pick, Wolves Move Randle, Heat Weigh Jovic Deal
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June 2026 — The New Orleans Pelicans are not pursuing a trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. A team source told Fischer that 2025 first-rounder Jeremiah Fears, taken seventh overall, is viewed internally as the franchise’s point guard of the future. With Dejounte Murray already on the roster, New Orleans sees little incentive to add Morant, whose substantial contract, injury history and off-court issues pose additional risk.
Pelicans fielding calls on Murphy and Jones
Fischer reports that rival clubs continue to inquire about forwards Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. The Pelicans are said to be seeking multiple first-round selections for either player.
Mavericks expected to stay at No. 9
After naming Dusty May their new head coach, the Dallas Mavericks are increasingly likely to use the No. 9 overall pick rather than trading down for two later first-rounders, league sources told Fischer. May plans to attend the draft in support of former Michigan standouts Aday Mara, Morez Johnson and Yaxel Lendeborg, though it remains unclear whether Dallas will target any of them—especially if forward Nate Ament is still available.
Timberwolves ship Randle, create $33.3 million TPE
Julius Randle was the salary casualty in a three-team deal that sent the veteran forward to the Brooklyn Nets and generated a $33.3 million traded-player exception for Minnesota. According to Fischer, the Timberwolves were determined to keep Naz Reid and hesitant to move defensive anchor Rudy Gobert. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly is expected to stay active on the transaction front after re-signing guard Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year, $112 million contract.
Heat could shop Jovic for additional shooting
The Miami Heat are weighing the possibility of moving forward Nikola Jovic in search of another perimeter shooter to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, Fischer adds. Jovic is owed $16.2 million next season and is under contract through 2029-30.
Source: Hoops Rumors
