With the 2026 offseason right around the corner, New Orleans Pelicans fans won't have to worry, as it's not like it can get any worse than the 2025 offseason. Last summer, the front office had its fair share of blunders, whether it was signing Kevon Looney just for him to start in six games, mortgaging the future for Derik Queen, or trading away expiring salary for Jordan Poole, who is under contract through the 2026–27 season.
None of those moves have aged as badly as the Jordan Poole trade. Originally, the thought process was that at 26 years old, he was coming off a career year for the Wizards, and he would hold down the starting spot until Dejounte Murray returned. Then, when the team's All-Star guard returned, JP would shift to a bench role and give the Pelicans one of the league's top sixth men.
I don't think anyone expected Jeremiah Fears to take that starting guard spot three games into the season. With the strong second half Fears has had and the fact that Poole has played in just nine games since the All-Star break, he has become obsolete.
Jordan Poole is the odd man out
The Pelicans already have Dejounte Murray, who has been very good since returning from injury and has a player option for the 2027–28 season. They also have their point guard of the future in Jeremiah Fears. Because of that, it's hard to see where Poole and a $34 million salary fit in.
Splitting backcourt reps between Fears and Murray next season is already going to be hard enough, so trying to incorporate another guard who eats up touches should be avoided at all costs.
Considering Poole has shot 36.5 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from three this season and is averaging below 14 points per game, trading him with his salary won't be easy. But just getting him off the roster by any means may be the most beneficial option for the Pelicans.
If opposing teams are only willing to accept a Poole trade if they receive future draft capital, exploring buyout or waive-and-stretch options may be the best option. Sure, he is a talented shot creator who could definitely bounce back next season. But after how much of a disaster year one of this experiment went, holding onto him may just no longer be a safe option.
It would be one thing if Poole were being a veteran voice for the young core, but he's not even really embracing that role. Moving on from him this summer wouldn't just give the Pelicans more roster flexibility; it would also correct the new regime's biggest mistake.