Just like that, the Pelicans have made a SPLASH at the Poole Party! Shams Charania has reported that 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.
This is precisely the type of trade the Pelicans needed to make. Jordan Poole is coming off a great second season in Washington, where he averaged 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in just 29.4 minutes a game. His shot-creation ability is something the Pelicans' offense has been lacking. Acquiring Poole is the type of move that shows Joe Dumars is focused on competing rather than standing pat.
This trade helps fill the void left by Dejounte Murray’s injury. Poole can now come in and play lead guard before transitioning back to the shooting guard spot when Murray returns. This will be an easy switch for Poole, who played shooting guard during his time with the Warriors, where he displayed elite ability as an off-ball creator and helped Golden State win a championship in 2022.
This trade also gives New Orleans an elite three-point shooter, something they struggled with last season. Poole ranked fifth in threes attempted per game (9.1) yet shot a strong 37.8% from beyond the arc, showing his value as a high-volume three-point shooter. This is a huge addition as New Orleans was in the bottom five in attempts and makes from beyond the arc last season.
Poole isn't the only positive coming out of this trade
This deal is even bigger for the Pelicans than just getting Poole. They were able to offload CJ McCollum, who some viewed as an unmovable asset at 33 years old and was owed 64 million dollars over the next two seasons. Trading away Kelly Olynyk stings, but landing an exciting player like Poole softens the blow
New Orleans also was able to acquire Saddiq Bey, who missed last season with a torn ACL, but is a career 35% three-point shooter and will be a solid bench piece for the Pelicans. Joe Dumars was also able to snatch another draft pick with the No. 40 selection.
Second-round picks are an area the Pelicans have drafted exceptionally well in recent years, drafting guys like Herb Jones and Antonio Reeves. Adding the No. 40 selection gives the Pelicans' scouting department the chance to nail yet another second-round sleeper.