While the Washington Wizards accomplished their goal of shedding future salary by swapping guards with the New Orleans Pelicans, not sure what the Pelicans are doing? The Pelicans did shave some money off their 2025-26 books and become younger.
New Orleans traded CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and the rights to Chicago’s 2027 second-round draft pick to Washington. In exchange, the Pelicans received Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick in the 2025 draft. Why did New Orleans make the trade, and how does it affect the Pelicans going forward?
New Orleans is coming off its worst season in over a decade, finishing with the fourth-worst record in the league at 21-61, as numerous injuries plagued the Pelicans. The Pelicans had 25 players appear in a game and used an incredible 47 different starting lineups. None of their top six players, at the start of the season, were active at the end of the season due to injuries.
Jordan Poole Trade Makes Pelicans Contenders In West, What Is Next After Draft?
New Orleans dealt the injured Brandon Ingram to Toronto for Bruce Brown, Olynyk, Indiana’s 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-round selection. While it was unfortunate that the Ingram-Zion Williamson pairing didn’t work out, his trade at least made sense, as Ingram has struggled with staying healthy. Additionally, Brown was on an expiring contract, and the Pelicans received a first-round pick in return.
Yes, the Pelicans have become a little younger and increased their cap room for the 2025-26 season. Granted, the Pelicans were reportedly worried about the fit between McCollum and Dejounte Murray. But the Pelicans also added money to their books for next season as McCollum is on an expiring contract and Murray is likely out until January with a torn Achilles. Plus, Poole is wildly erratic.
Poole increased his efficiency and production in his second season in Washington. Poole averaged 20 points for the second time in his career and set career-bests with 3.6 threes while connecting on 37.8% of their shots from deep. However, turnovers and defense continue to be issues.
The Athletic’s Josh Roberts and William Guillory made a specific point about Poole that does not look good for the Pelicans’ prospects. Discussing why the Wizards moved off of Poole, it was with the”hope to further increase their ball movement and increase the playmaking opportunities and shot opportunities.”
‘The addition of Poole will give the Pelicans a younger shot creator who can step into the starting point guard role while Dejounte Murray recovers from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered last January,” Roberts and Guillory added. “Poole also has only two years left on his current deal, so the Pelicans maintain enough flexibility to go in a different direction if things don’t work out with him this season.”
Saddiq Bey and the 2025 Second Pick Impact
While not a fan of Poole, particularly in relationship to McCollum, Bey is an interesting pickup for the Pelicans. He immediately improves the Pels’ forward depth.
Bey is a scorer and a high-volume 3-point shooter. The 26-year-old, who can play both the three and four, is a decent passer and has some intriguing defensive potential.
New Orleans also added more draft capital for this year. The Pelicans picked up the No. 23 pick from Indiana to go along with the No. 7 selection. Now owning Washington’s second-round choice, the Pelicans have three picks.
New Orleans needs to address its frontcourt in the draft. The Pelicans were outrebounded by two boards a game, and they allowed their opponents to connect on a league-high 57.8% of their two-point attempts last year. More significantly, Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic are the only players who are taller than 6-foot-10.
New Orleans has been linked to Duke 7-2 freshman Khaman Malauch with the No. 7 pick, which makes a lot of sense. The Pelicans can also use additional help in the backcourt, particularly a point guard.
With Murray out, Poole and Jose Alvarado will be charged with running the team unless the Pels decide to exercise Elfrid Payton‘s team option. Walter Clayton Jr. and Nolan Traore have been mentioned as options at No. 23.
New Orleans Offseason Decisions
Following the draft, New Orleans projects to have 13 players on standard deals with a cap hit of over $173 million. That puts roughly $14 million below the luxury tax. Whoever the No. 40 pick is, expect them to get a two-way deal instead of a standard contract.
The Pelicans do have some decisions to make, which will determine if they are active during free agency. Payton has a $3.15 million team option that is unlikely to be exercised. Brandon Boston Jr. has a $2.3 million team option. It will be interesting to see what the Pelicans do with Boston, as the decision could go either way, as the 23-year-old was very productive in limited action.
Antonio Reeves ($1.9 million) has a non-guaranteed deal, which becomes guaranteed on July 23. Reeves showed off his shooting prowess in 44 games with the Pelicans, knocking down 39.5% of attempts from deep. So, the Pelicans could wait until closer to the deadline to decide what to do. Or the Pelicans may have to choose between Boston and Reeves for one of the last roster spots. However, they may also opt to keep both players, thereby foregoing free agency.
Other Important Decisions
New Orleans has a few other important decisions to make this summer. Williamson’s contract guarantees on July 15, and it doesn’t appear that the Pelicans are inclined to move him. The bigger question is, will they extend him?
Williamson, who has three years left on his deal, is extension eligible on July 6. Herbert Jones, who is also extension eligible as of July 6, is more likely to receive one. However, Jones has two years left on his contract, so it may not happen this year.
Poole becomes extension-eligible on October 31. October 31 is also the date by which the Pelicans have to decide whether to exercise Jordan Hawkins‘ and Messi’s team options. Expect both players to pick up options.
Last Word
It’s tough to see what the Pelicans are trying to do. President of basketball operations Joe Dumars is likely trying anything to right the ship. However, Poole isn’t the answer, and the Pelicans are nowhere close to being a contender in the tough Western Conference. Now, if Williamson can stay healthy and Murray can come back faster than expected. The Pelicans may be able to be a Play-In team.
Photo Credit: © Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Image
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