Pelicans Trade CJ McCollum to Wizards for Jordan Poole: Reports

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to trade veteran guard CJ McCollum, center Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for guard Jordan Poole, wing Saddiq Bey, and the 40th overall pick in Thursday’s second round of the NBA Draft. McCollum, a 12-year veteran, joins his third team since 2022 after spending most of his career with Portland. Poole, a six-year veteran, also joins his third franchise after stints with Golden State and the Wizards.

The Wizards will gain financial flexibility in the deal, clearing $57 million in expiring contracts for McCollum and Olynyk this season. They could have around $100 million in cap space for the summer of 2026. Washington is expected to focus on adding guards with their two first-round picks on Wednesday.

The Pelicans, under new leadership of Joe Dumars, are building for the future. Olynyk, a 12-year veteran, was acquired last season and Bey, a 2020 draft pick, is recovering from knee surgery. The trade could make the Wizards more competitive in the short term, especially in 3-point shooting where they struggled last season.

According to the source: NBA.