The New Orleans Pelicans have the 21st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. It's not a lock that the Pelicans will keep that pick and select in that spot, however.

New Orleans could trade that pick to move back in the draft, while picking up additional second-round draft capital. Such a move would help balance out the Pelicans draft picks moving forward.

The Pelicans are flush with first-round draft picks in the coming years. They have all of their own picks, plus extra picks and swaps coming from the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.

New Orleans doesn't have many second-round picks though. As of now, the Pelicans have a second-round pick only in 2030. All of the team's other day-two selections have been moved to other teams through various trades.

During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the topic of Jimmy Butler's future came up. NBA insider Shams Charania gave some insight into where Butler and the Miami Heat are at.

"My sense is Jimmy Butler does not want to be anywhere but Miami," Charania told Pat McAfee. "Sense is that he loves it in Miami. But again, he is extension-eligible this year. There are multiple teams out there that would give him an extension, and I think this is something that we'll see play out over the next month or so. The Heat don't want to trade him; he wants an extension. Will they give him an extension? That's the question."

Butler is reportedly looking for a two-year extension worth over $112 million. It's unclear if the Heat will offer that amount to the veteran wing. The Philadelphia 76ers have been rumored to have interest in a reunion with Butler, which could via a trade and eventual extension. Philadelphia projects to have over $60 million in cap space this offseason.

Matas Buzelis has been considered a top prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft for a while now. Recent workouts have solidified his status over recent weeks.

The 6-foot-10 combo forward has shown off an improved jumper, while demonstrating defensive versatility and good playmaking skills for his position. One team interested in potentially moving up for Buzelis in the draft is his hometown Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls watched Buzelis at a private workout in Los Angeles. Chicago president Arturas Karnisovas and Buzelis also share Lithuanian heritage, and familiarity from being around the Lithuanian national program.

In 34 games with the G League Ignite last season, Buzelis averaged 14.1 points on 45.5% shooting. He also grabbed 6.6 rebounds and blocked 1.9 shots per game.

Donovan Clingan has positioned himself to be a top prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite that status, Clingan could slip in the draft, because several teams with top picks already have centers in place.

If Clingan starts to slide, a handful of teams are positioned to try to trade up to select him. The Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz could all move up from their later-lottery picks to get in range to draft Clingan. The floor for the UConn center is considered to be the Portland Trail Blazers, who hold the seventh overall pick.

Clingan measured at 7-foot-3 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and a 9-foot-7 standing reach at the Draft Combine. He's considered an outstanding defender, and he has nice touch on his jumper too. Many scouts envision Clingan eventually becoming an all-around offensive threat, who can also protect the rim, similar to a later-career Brook Lopez.

Cade Cunningham becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason along with his fellow 2021 draft class members.

While Cunningham missed most of his second NBA season and the Detroit Pistons struggled in 23-24, James L. Edward III of The Athletic reports that all signs point to him signing a max extension.

"I’m 99.9 percent sure that Cunningham gets an extension this offseason," writes Edwards. "I don’t want to say 100 percent because you never know what can happen, but I’d be stunned if the 2021 No. 1 overall pick doesn’t sign a max rookie extension."

Depending on what the cap comes in at for 2025, a max extension could be worth approximately $225 million over five seasons.

Cunningham averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 35 percent on three-pointers. Cunningham made meaningful improvements with his efficiency amid Detroit's struggles. 

Cunningham is represented by Jeff Schwartz and James Dunleavy.

Trajan Langdon inherits the Detroit front office this offseason from Troy Weaver.

On a recent episode of The Ringer's NBA Draft Show, ESPN's Jonathan Givony shared some thoughts on the San Antonio Spurs. Givony said he's heard that the Spurs are open to moving their draft picks, as well as any players not named Victor Wembanyama or Devin Vassell.

"Everything I hear is that they want to be competitive next year, they want to be in the playoffs. They’re not looking to make this a two- to three-year process, where they’re in the lottery again next year. For right now, they want to be competitive next year and that’s why I think they’re going to be aggressive with those picks," Givony said.

"I've heard nobody in the roster is untouchable except Victor and Devin Vassell."

Givony also added that he's heard available players are interested in playing in San Antonio because of the presence of the young superstar big man.

“Every free agent, every veteran guard, they all want to play with Victor Wembanyama," Givony said.

The Houston Rockets have discussed trading the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft with both the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies.

The Rockets' target in trade talks with the Nets is Mikal Bridges. However, Brooklyn is seeking players to add around Bridges in any deals they make.

The Grizzlies are reportedly attempting to move up to be in range to draft center Donovan Clingan. Memphis has a need for a long-term center to add to their core. Clingan isn't expected to be available when the Grizzlies select with the ninth overall pick.

Brandon Ingram become eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension this offseason, but sources tell The Athletic that the New Orleans Pelicans are unlikely to offer him that maximum deal.

Trey Murphy is also eligible to sign an extension of his own this offseason, while Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Herb Jones already have a combined $84 million owed to them in 25-26.

The Pelicans have never paid the luxury tax in their 22-year history.

If the Pelicans do not trade Ingram or extend him, they run the risk of losing him for nothing as a free agent in 2025.

The future of Karl-Anthony Towns with the Minnesota Timberwolves could be dependent on whether control of the franchise ultimately ends up with Glen Taylor or the Marc Lore/Alex Rodriguez group. There is speculation around the NBA that the Lore/Rodriguez group will be more frugal and could trade Towns to save on salary and luxury tax.

"Let me just say this: I don't believe it is going to get slashed," said Brian Windhorst about the Lore/Rodriguez group on the Hoop Collective Podcast. "I believe if they get the team by the fall, which I am skeptical of for various reasons, but if they get the team by the fall, I don't think they're cracking this team in pieces to save money. I think because one team about the team, they have instantaneous equity, they can borrow it against it like that."

The NBA's media rights deals will nearly triple beginning with the 25-26 season, while expansion will also give existing owners an influx of money in the coming years.

"I do not think they would tear the team apart, however, I do think there's a possibility if the ownership change took place that Karl Towns' role would be reevaluated," said Windhorst. 

Karl-Anthony Towns' salary for the 24-25 season will jump to $49 million as he begins his supermax contract.

Towns has an uncertain future with the Wolves, but he would like to remain with the franchise. The Wolves face a mounting luxury tax bill that will be difficult for them to afford long-term.

"I'm just happy to see, been here nine years, hope next year, I'd love for the tenure to keep going," Towns said.

Towns added that he has confidence he will remain with the Wolves. 

"I'm confident I'll be able to be here with my brothers and continue what I love to do here at home," Towns said. "So that's the plan. Nothing's changed on my side. I love this city. I love this organization. I love this city."