The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant move just before the NBA draft, opting not to wait for the official event to reshape their roster. On the eve of the draft, the Pelicans announced a trade that involves key players and future assets, indicating their commitment to enhancing their lineup.
According to a report by ESPN, the Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards. In return, New Orleans will acquire Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and this year’s No. 40 pick in the second round.
CJ McCollum has been a vital part of the Pelicans since joining the team in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021-2022 season. Over his 3½ seasons with New Orleans, he played in 223 games, averaging an impressive 21.1 points and 5.0 assists per game. McCollum leaves as the franchise's all-time leader in made three-pointers, boasting a remarkable total of 692. Notably, he scored 50 points against the Wizards last season, the very team he is now joining, making him one of only three players in franchise history to achieve this feat, alongside Anthony Davis and Jamal Mashburn.
Kelly Olynyk was acquired by the Pelicans from the Toronto Raptors in February as part of the trade involving Brandon Ingram. During his brief time in New Orleans, Olynyk averaged 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 20 games. His addition to the Wizards marks another significant shift in his career.
In exchange for McCollum and Olynyk, the Pelicans welcome Jordan Poole, a 6-foot-4 guard who is entering his seventh NBA season. Poole has spent his first four seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won an NBA title in 2022, before moving to the Wizards. Last season, Poole enjoyed a breakout year, averaging a career-best 20.5 points and 4.5 assists per game. He also made headlines by setting a Wizards' record for the most made three-pointers in a season with 235, surpassing the previous record held by Bradley Beal.
Additionally, the Pelicans have added Saddiq Bey, a 6-7 forward who did not play in the 2023-24 season due to an ACL injury sustained while with the Atlanta Hawks. Although he signed with the Wizards in July, Bey's potential remains high as he recovers and aims to make an impact in New Orleans.
This trade gives the Pelicans flexibility and strategic options for the upcoming NBA draft, where they now hold three picks. Alongside the newly acquired No. 40 pick, the Pelicans also possess first-round selections at No. 7 and No. 23. This positions the franchise well to continue building a competitive roster as they aim for success in the coming seasons.
