According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jordan Poole, who emerged as one of the standout players for the Washington Wizards last season, has been traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. The deal sends CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for Poole, as Charania announced on his Twitter account.
The recent announcement has generated significant buzz around the New Orleans Pelicans as they aim to stage a comeback next season after missing the playoffs. With Zion Williamson sidelined due to injury and other key players grappling with form, the team is under pressure to deliver a markedly improved performance.
Although the Pelicans lost key contributors McCollum and Olynyk, the organization is optimistic that the acquisition of Poole will be pivotal in their quest for a successful campaign. The fan base is eager for a fresh and dynamic approach, anticipating that Williamson, alongside Poole, will showcase their true potential and transform the team’s fortunes.
Projected Pelicans lineup for the 2025-26 NBA season
With Poole potentially joining the Pelicans, he is expected to team up with their marquee star Zion Williamson, along with Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi. This promising lineup aims to rejuvenate the Pelicans’ performance following a challenging previous season, offering renewed hope for the upcoming campaign.
The Pelicans’ projected lineup for the upcoming season is shaping up to be a decisive one, with key acquisitions poised to make a significant impact. Striking a balance between offense and defense, the Pelicans are expected to rely heavily on Poole, who posted impressive statistics during his time with the Wizards.
Wizards’ roster additions boost Pelicans
Poole isn’t the only notable arrival from the Wizards. New Orleans has reportedly acquired additional talent from Washington, enhancing their roster for the new season. As reported by Charania, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in this year’s NBA Draft are expected to join the Pelicans, further strengthening the team’s potential for success.
Poole’s stats last season
Poole wrapped up the 2024-2025 NBA season with the Wizards by starting in all 68 games he appeared in. Averaging 29.4 minutes per game, Poole consistently delivered with 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per contest. He showcased solid shooting efficiency, recording splits of 43.2% from the field, an improved 37.8% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 88.3% from the free-throw line.
Despite those numbers, the Wizards struggled overall, concluding the season with a 18-64 record, cementing their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Poole contributed defensively as well, with 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, albeit offset by 3.0 turnovers per game. The season included several standout scoring games, highlighted by a remarkable 35-point effort in late March.