Pelicans Trade CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to Wizards for Jordan Poole and Picks

The New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Washington Wizards for a package that includes Jordan Poole, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The Pelicans are also sending a future second-round pick to Washington. Additionally, the Wizards are sending Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft to the Pelicans. This trade signifies a significant change in the Pelicans' core roster following the earlier trade of Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors.

Acquiring McCollum's expiring contract will give the Wizards a projected $100 million in cap space during the 2026 offseason. McCollum, 33, has been a key player for the Pelicans since joining them from the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2021-22 season. He brings scoring, playmaking, and experience to the Wizards' backcourt. Olynyk, who came to the Pelicans in the Ingram trade, will provide veteran leadership in the frontcourt alongside young center Alex Sarr.

Jordan Poole, 26, will move to the Pelicans after spending two seasons with the Wizards. Poole has been a solid contributor as a shooting guard, averaging nearly 19 points per game. Saddiq Bey, 26, who missed the previous season due to injury, has shown promise as a scorer and rebounder.