The New Orleans Pelicans are reshaping their backcourt and timeline, trading veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Kelly Olynyk to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday in exchange for guard Jordan Poole, forward Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 overall pick in Thursday’s 2025 NBA Draft, according to ESPN.
McCollum, 32, averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 56 games last season. He missed time with a right adductor strain and ended the year sidelined by a right foot bone contusion. Still, the soon-to-be 13-year veteran extended his streak to 10 consecutive seasons, averaging over 20 points per game.
The move ends McCollum’s tenure in New Orleans after parts of four seasons. Acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022, he brought immediate stability to a young roster featuring Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones. Across 173 games with the Pelicans, he averaged 21.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, helping the team reach the 2022 playoffs and serving as a steady veteran presence.
After a sharp fall in the Western Conference standings during the 2024-25 season, the Pelicans opted for a reset. McCollum, who is under contract through 2025-26, departs as the team pivots toward a younger timeline with Poole and Bey.
Poole Adds Upside, Bey Brings Familiarity
Poole, 26, averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 68 games last season. Though his shot selection and efficiency drew criticism, the Pelicans are banking on his scoring potential and alignment with the team’s youth movement. He is under contract through 2026-27.
Bey, 26, reunites with Wizards general manager Troy Weaver, who drafted him in 2020 while leading the Detroit Pistons. The 6-foot-7 forward adds needed wing depth to New Orleans and will compete for minutes in a rotation still searching for forward stability. He’s eligible for restricted free agency in 2025, giving the Pelicans optionality moving forward.
The trade also provides New Orleans with additional flexibility and a second-round draft asset. The No. 40 pick could be used to add another developmental piece or leveraged in future deals.
McCollum, Olynyk Bring Veteran Presence to Washington
Washington, coming off an 18-64 season, adds McCollum as a stabilizing force alongside Marcus Smart in the backcourt. His leadership and shot-making complement a young core that includes 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and whoever lands in Washington due to having the No. 6 pick on Wednesday.
The trade effectively swaps guards, with Washington moving on from the younger Poole in favor of McCollum’s expiring contract. With Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, and Richaun Holmes set to play in the final year of their contracts, this trade positions the Wizards to approach $100 million in projected cap space by the summer of 2026, allowing for a clean financial slate and the opportunity for a major roster overhaul.
Olynyk, 34, averaged 8.6 points and 5.1 rebounds last season between Utah and New Orleans. He adds frontcourt versatility and enters the final year of his contract as the Wizards look to solidify their veteran depth. The move also reflects long-standing ties between Washington’s front office leadership.
One connection from this trade occurred in the front office. Wizards GM Will Dawkins spreviously worked with Weaver in Oklahoma City, and their collaboration continues to shape the Wizards’ rebuild.
With the deal, both teams move closer to their goals, the Wizards reinforcing a young foundation with veteran structure, and the Pelicans leaning further into youth, long-term flexibility and upside.
