The Washington Wizards have made a significant move by trading guard Jordan Poole, wing Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in this year’s draft to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for veteran guard CJ McCollum, big man Kelly Olynyk, and a 2027 second-round pick previously held by the Chicago Bulls. This trade marks a pivotal moment for the Wizards as they reshape their roster for the future.
Jordan Poole, 26, has just completed a standout second season with the Wizards, emerging as a transitional player within the team’s structure. He averaged a career-high 20.5 points per game, along with matching his best in assists at 4.5 per game and hitting a career-best 37.8 percent from beyond the arc. His development as a ball handler and playmaker, particularly after taking on more point guard responsibilities, has made his contract more appealing in the trade market.
As the Wizards navigated the 2024-25 season, they saw noticeable improvements in their offensive flow, especially after trading Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks in early February. With a focus on ball movement, the development of younger players like Bilal Coulibaly, along with rookies Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, AJ Johnson, and Alex Sarr, was encouraged. Moving on from Poole now allows the Wizards to further enhance this newly emphasized ball-sharing approach while integrating experienced players like McCollum, Khris Middleton, and Corey Kispert into their lineup.
Saddiq Bey, who has fully recovered from a March 2024 ACL surgery, also played a role in this transaction. His departure helps alleviate the logjam of perimeter players, which includes Coulibaly, George, Johnson, Kispert, Middleton, and now McCollum.
From a financial strategy perspective, this trade has substantial cap-management implications for the Wizards, particularly looking ahead to the 2026 offseason. By parting ways with Poole’s hefty contract, Washington can free up as much as $100 million in cap space. This flexibility could allow them to pursue various roster construction strategies, particularly if they’re able to facilitate trades that include future draft picks.
Poole remains under contract for two more seasons at guaranteed salaries of $31.9 million for the 2025-26 season and $34.0 million for 2026-27. Bey’s contract, meanwhile, is guaranteed at $6.1 million for 2025-26 with a $6.4 million team option for 2026-27. In contrast, McCollum (33) and Olynyk (34) will see the 2025-26 season serve as the final year of their respective contracts.
McCollum brings a wealth of playoff experience to the Wizards after averaging 21.1 points over four seasons with the Pelicans, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, sinking 692 shots from beyond the arc in just 223 games. His ability to step in and provide leadership to a younger roster is paramount, particularly in the wake of expected changes within the Wizards’ backcourt.
For the Pelicans, adding Poole presents an exciting opportunity. He steps in as a younger shot creator, ready to take on the starting point guard role while Dejounte Murray recovers from an Achilles injury. With only two years left on his contract, the Pelicans retain the flexibility needed to pivot if necessary.
Also, following a trade with the Indiana Pacers, the Pelicans are well-positioned with multiple draft picks, heading into the upcoming draft with selections at No. 7, 23, and 40, further bolstering their future outlook.
This deal is the first major move under the new leadership of executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars and senior vice president of basketball operations Troy Weaver, who brings a keen understanding of the players involved. As Poole joins the Pelicans, McCollum is set to enhance the leadership within the Wizards’ locker room, especially as they prepare to navigate the potential departure of unrestricted free agent guard Malcolm Brogdon.
Overall, this trade not only emphasizes the Wizards’ commitment to fostering their younger talent but also positions them strategically with the financial flexibility they need to build a competitive future. The official confirmation of the trade is anticipated to occur after July 6, coinciding with the start of the NBA’s new cap year.
