Draft News: Pelicans Take a Risk on Jordan Poole – A Smart Move?

Wizards receives: CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick

Pelicans receives: Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in NBA draft

I think this trade benefits the Pelicans as they get a young player in Jordan Poole. Poole is on a 4 year 128 million dollar contract and will be getting paid $31,848,215 next season, and becomes a UFA in 2027. This trade could seriously help the pelicans if they can tone down the amount of shots Poole takes while also having him share the ball more. Poole has been a ball dominant player these past 2 seasons because of his time he spent in Washington. This past season poole has averaged 20.5 points with 4.5 assists on shooting 43.2% from the field. Poole will be sharing the floor with others like Zion, Trey Murphy, and Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones. Maybe Pool could be a sixth man and focus more on producing offense off the bench. Overall I think if Pool can help facilitate the offense he will fit in well with this offense or take more shots with Dejounte Murray at the point guard. The Pelicans will also receive Saddiq Bey who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. The Pelicans also have the 40th pick and we will have to see who they draft.

The Wizards receive CJ McCollum who is a veteran guard who will fill the spot of Jordan Poole. McCollum has an expiring contract that will end at the end of the 2025-2026 season and will be paid $30,666,666. I don’t really understand this trade because the wizards are still in no shape to compete next season. The wizards could be trying to have McCollum help develop their young talent just Like Chris Paul and Shai but i highly doubt this. The wizards are also receiving Kelly Olynyk who averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds this past season.