Jan 22, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) and forward Draymond Green (23) celebrate after Poole drew a foul against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images John Hefti-Imagn Images

Draymond Green Reacts to Jordan Poole, Pelicans Trade

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 4:06 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards made an unexpected trade on Tuesday. The Pelicans sent CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th overall pick in the 2025 draft.

The Pelicans are getting noticeably younger under new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, especially with the additions of new rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the first round of Wednesday's draft. However, the addition of Poole will have an immediate impact alongside star forward Zion Williamson.

The New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025

Poole made a name for himself through his first four seasons with the Golden State Warriors, including playing a huge part in the franchise's 2022 championship run. His former Warriors teammate Draymond Green, who infamously sucker punched him during a team practice, reacted to Poole getting sent to New Orleans.

"I like it," Green said. "Jordan still has room for growth. I don't think we have seen the best of his growth yet. Getting in an organization like New Orleans under Joe Dumars' leadership with Willie Green, I think, will be a good situation for him."

"I like it... Jordan still has room for growth. I don't think we have seen the best of his growth yet. Getting in an organization like [NOLA] under Joe Dumars leadership with Willie Green, I think will be a good situation for him"

-- Draymond Green on trading for Jordan Poole pic.twitter.com/rB66JAqPdr
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) June 26, 2025

Green and Poole have a storied relationship, as the Warriors were practically forced to trade the young guard to the Wizards due to their feud. Still, Green praised the Pelicans' move for Jordan Poole, saying that not only will he have a big impact, but it also shows the franchise is heading in the right direction under Joe Dumars.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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