Pelicans Now Label Rookies Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears as Off-Limits in Trade Talks
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The New Orleans Pelicans have reshuffled their internal trade priorities, elevating rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears to “untouchable” status, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
League sources told Stein that Queen and Fears are currently the only players the franchise refuses to move. Until recently, that designation belonged to veterans Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, but the front office is now at least willing to hear inquiries on those two wings.
While New Orleans will take calls on Murphy and Jones, executives around the league said the asking price for either player is “extremely high”—a stance viewed as a signal that meaningful negotiations are unlikely unless an overwhelming offer emerges.
The shift underscores the Pelicans’ commitment to building around their youngest talent. Team officials increasingly see Queen and Fears as long-term centerpieces rather than potential trade chips.
Source: Hoops Wire
