Pelicans Trading CJ McCollum To Wizards In Deal For Jordan Poole

The New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards have agreed to a four-player trade that will send CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to Washington in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 overall pick in this week’s NBA Draft, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“The trade swaps guards — the Wizards shifting from Poole to the veteran in McCollum, who has an expiring contract,” Charania wrote. “Washington now is expected to approach $100 million in projected cap space in 2026. Pelicans move younger, possibly more dynamic with Poole and Bey.”

The Pelicans are coming off an injury-prone, disappointing season and this move marks the first for new head of basketball operations Joe Dumars. Several more are expected to follow, sources told Hoops Wire.

Meanwhile, the Wizards haven’t reached 50 wins in a season since 1979 and are looking to speed up their rebuild, it seems. They now have McCollum and forward Khris Middleton to lead their younger players. Middleton picked up his player option earlier this week.

McCollum, a Canton Glenoak High School product, has also spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers. Poole started with the Golden State Warriors.

The Pelicans’ roster, at the moment, now features the likes of Poole, Zion Williamson, and Dejounte Murray (when healthy).