NBA
Pelicans Pick Up 2027–28 Options on Missi, Fears and Queen
New Orleans exercised Missi’s fourth-year option and the third-year options for Fears and Queen, keeping three recent first-round picks under contract.
The New Orleans Pelicans have exercised their 2027–28 team options on Yves Missi, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, retaining three recent first-round picks for another season.
The moves were announced Tuesday. Missi’s option covers the fourth year of his rookie contract, while the options for Fears and Queen cover their third years. The Associated Press reported the decisions ahead of New Orleans’ regular-season opener Wednesday.
Missi, the 21st pick in 2024, has played 139 games for the Pelicans and started 81. He has averaged 7.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game.
Fears and Queen both made the All-Rookie second team last season. Fears appeared in all 82 games, averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Queen averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 81 appearances.
The options concern next season’s contracts. They preserve the Pelicans’ investment in the three young players as New Orleans begins the 2026–27 schedule, rather than adding new players to the current roster.
