The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans have traded their lead guards heading into draft night. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Washington will trade Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in the draft in exchange for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick.
Wizards and Pelicans Swap Guards in Shocking Trade
The Washington Wizards Perspective
Washington was reportedly shopping Poole and others around and was looking to send Poole out before the start of the season. With Poole having a career season with the Wizards, his value was at an all-time high. Poole, while being the leader and only true scorer for Washington this season, simply doesn’t quite align with the Wizards’ rebuild. This is the first Wizards trade this offseason, and more will be coming soon.
Now, the draft for the Wizards becomes a little clearer, with some more guard minutes possibly opening up. The Wizards now may not take the Ace Bailey bait if he falls to the sixth pick, and could look to grab Jeremiah Fears, which has been heavily rumored to be their number one guy after not getting the Spurs to bite on their trade offer of “surprising names”.
While possibly selling low, taking McCollum’s one-year contract fits Washington a little better than Poole’s contract. As of right now, there are plenty of interesting names heading into the 2026 free agency. While Washington isn’t the world’s most attractive destination, McCollum’s contract will expire, clearing the way for a potential star. Additionally, Olynyk’s contract is also expiring, as well as Khris Middleton‘s contract, so the Wizards will have a huge opportunity come next offseason.
Giving up Poole and Bey both so early may come as a surprise; however, this gives the Wizards a true scorer next to, potentially, Fears and Bub Carrington in McCollum, while clearing the cap space for next season.
The New Orleans Pelicans Perspective
The Pelicans get themselves two nice young pieces in Poole and Bey to play alongside Zion Williamson and company. While beginning their rebuild, Poole and Bey provide decent scoring, and Poole will help with the playmaking, as he has improved that skill during his time in Washington. After trading Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline, it was clear they were ready to reset and attempt at least one more rebuild centered around Williamson.
Additionally, with the injuries New Orleans suffered last season, Poole and Bey will come in fully healthy. With Dejounte Murray still rehabbing from his injury, Poole will take over the lead guard duties at least until Murray can get back on the floor. Bey will provide a nice addition to the outside shooting game, making both assets nice pieces headed into the future.
As for the 40th pick, it’s up in the air what the Pelicans aim to use it for. If they are looking to make further moves, it could be used to move up in the draft or trade for a piece on draft night. Usually, second-round picks aren’t franchise-altering, but they could easily find a diamond in the rough.
The Last Word
While this isn’t exactly a blockbuster trade, it still starts the trade wheels for these two franchises. It’s the first move for both teams heading into the offseason. For Washington, this clears the way for them to make big moves next offseason in free agency. For New Orleans, it signals another reset, but with players who have already established themselves in the league. Time will tell who wins the trade, but for now, both teams certainly seem to be better for it.
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