Pelicans Shake Things Up: CJ McCollum Traded to Wizards in Deal Featuring Jordan Poole

A Bold Roster Reset in the Big Easy

NEW ORLEANS — In a move that signals a major directional shift for both franchises, the New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly agreed to trade veteran guard CJ McCollum, center Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jordan Poole, wing Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The deal, first reported by the Associated Press, has yet to be officially announced but marks a significant shift in strategy for two teams looking to redefine their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

Washington’s Youth Movement Rolls On

For the Wizards, the move is another clear step in their ongoing rebuild. The arrival of McCollum and Olynyk provides veteran leadership and shooting, but more importantly, their expiring contracts clear over $57 million off the books by the end of next season. Washington is now in position to enter the summer of 2026 with as much as $100 million in cap space, offering maximum flexibility in free agency or trades.

That freedom fits the Wizards’ longer-term plan, which began in earnest with the trade of Bradley Beal and continued through the acquisition of draft capital and young talent. With two first-round picks in Wednesday’s draft — Nos. 6 and 18 — Washington is poised to further stockpile youthful assets.

McCollum, a respected veteran, union president, and proven scorer, gives Washington an immediate offensive boost. Despite being 32, he remains one of just three players — alongside LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan — to have averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the last 10 seasons. Olynyk, who averaged 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds during his career, adds versatility and floor spacing in the frontcourt.

Poole, Bey Bring Upside to New Orleans

For New Orleans, the trade represents a pivot toward youth and offensive potential, spearheaded by the incoming Jordan Poole. The 25-year-old guard has had an uneven tenure with the Wizards but still offers upside as a high-volume scorer who’s averaged 16.8 points per game across six seasons.

Saddiq Bey, a former 19th overall pick in 2020, brings two-way potential and size on the wing. Though he missed last season while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, Bey had previously posted 14.1 points per game with the Pistons and Hawks.

The deal also gives the Pelicans another draft asset — the No. 40 overall pick — and aligns with a broader restructuring led by newly appointed executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. In just a few months on the job, Dumars has reshaped New Orleans’ draft capital, acquiring another first-rounder (No. 23) from Indiana to pair with the No. 7 pick in this year’s draft.

What’s Next?

With this trade, both organizations send clear messages.

• The Wizards are leaning fully into a youth-driven rebuild, using short-term contracts to open long-term cap flexibility.

• The Pelicans, meanwhile, are chasing a more dynamic, positionless future, hoping Poole and Bey can complement their existing core around Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III.

The results won’t be immediate for either team, but both seem more committed than ever to forging new identities in a rapidly evolving NBA landscape.