Pelicans Trade McCollum to Wizards, Kickstarting Rebuilds
Poole, Bey Head to New Orleans in a Deal Focused on the Future
The New Orleans Pelicans are shaking things up, trading for youth and draft capital in a deal with the Washington Wizards. This move sends veteran guard CJ McCollum to the capital, while the Pelicans bring in Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to reshape their roster.
Wizards’ Strategic Shift
The Pelicans have reached an agreement to send CJ McCollum, center Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards. In return, New Orleans gains guard Jordan Poole, wing Saddiq Bey, and the 40th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, according to sources.
The Wizards are entering a rebuilding phase, aiming to build through younger talent. This trade provides the team with considerable financial flexibility, potentially creating around $100 million in cap space by the summer of 2026. This shift began with the trade of Bradley Beal.
Players Involved
CJ McCollum, a 12-year veteran, is heading to his third team since 2022. He has averaged 19.6 points throughout his career. Jordan Poole, also a six-year veteran, joins his third franchise after stints with Golden State and Washington, having averaged 16.8 points per game.
Kelly Olynyk spent less than a season in New Orleans after a trade from Toronto. Saddiq Bey, drafted 19th overall in 2020, averaged 14.1 points per game with Detroit and Atlanta but missed last season due to a knee injury.
The Wizards are aiming to improve their three-point shooting, ranking near the bottom last season. The addition of McCollum and Olynyk is expected to boost this aspect of their game. McCollum is also known as a locker room leader.
Pelicans’ New Direction
The Pelicans are starting a new era under the guidance of Joe Dumars, a former NBA champion player and executive, who was appointed in April. Dumars also acquired a second first-round draft choice, the 23rd overall, in a trade.
McCollum is one of only three players averaging at least 20 points over the last decade, alongside LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan.
The average NBA player’s career length is about 4.5 years, according to a 2024 study (Statista).
Looking Ahead
The Wizards now hold the sixth and 18th picks in the upcoming draft. The Pelicans are looking to the future.