December 16, 2025
No Trade! Pelicans’ Best Move Is to Build Around Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen—Not Trade Stars
Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans PelicansAbout this episode
New Orleans Pelicans face a turning point as trade season heats up—could tearing down the roster jeopardize the growth of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen? Should Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones stay to support the team's future, or will pressure mount for a fire sale ahead of the NBA Draft? Jake Madison breaks down the impact of keeping veteran talent and why development around core prospects must remain a top priority. Hot topics include rumored trade interest in Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, the realistic market for Jose Alvarado, and the latest buzz around Zion Williamson’s long-term value. With insights on salary cap strategy, team culture, and the importance of avoiding a hasty rebuild, this episode explores what it will take for the Pelicans to return to winning basketball and build a competitive core for next season. Is patience the key, or should New Orleans shake up the roster now? Join the Locked On Pelicans Insiders: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonpelicans Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOPelicans?sid=YouTube Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SKIMS Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com. When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you. The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered. Gusto Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order. And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you. Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves. Rocket Money Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today. Wayfair Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.