The NBA offseason continues to heat up as the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards completed a significant four-player trade on June 24, 2025. This deal saw veteran guard CJ McCollum, forward Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick sent to the Wizards in exchange for guard Jordan Poole, forward Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, this trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises as they pursue different strategies heading into the new season.
The Pelicans, who finished the 2024-25 season with a dismal 21-61 record—their worst in two decades—are clearly aiming to reshape their roster under new leadership. Joe Dumars, the franchise's new head, appears committed to building a younger, more dynamic core. Acquiring Poole and Bey fits perfectly with this vision. Poole, just 26 years old, brings youthful energy and scoring prowess, having averaged a career-high 20.5 points per game last season for Washington. His shooting splits were impressive, boasting 43.2% from the field, 37.8% from three-point range, and 88.3% from the free-throw line, showcasing his efficiency on high volume.
Before his time with the Wizards, Poole spent four seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he won an NBA championship in 2022. However, his tenure with Golden State ended following a well-publicized altercation with star teammate Draymond Green, which precipitated his trade to Washington. Despite this rocky patch, Poole has proven to be a valuable offensive weapon, capable of explosive scoring nights and playmaking, averaging 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game last season.
Joining Poole in New Orleans is Saddiq Bey, a 26-year-old forward known for his steady double-digit scoring and shooting touch. Bey, who signed a three-year deal with Washington in July 2024, missed the entire 2024-25 season while recovering from a torn left ACL sustained with the Atlanta Hawks in March 2024. Prior to his injury, Bey had established himself as a reliable wing, averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds over 292 career games with the Detroit Pistons and Hawks. His addition bolsters the Pelicans’ wing depth, complementing existing players like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones.
On the flip side, the Wizards are acquiring two veterans in McCollum and Olynyk, both on expiring contracts. CJ McCollum, 33, is entering the second and final year of a $64 million contract extension and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Washington’s young roster. Since joining the Pelicans in 2022 via a trade from Portland, McCollum has been a key figure on the court and in the community, earning a nomination for an ESPN ESPY award in 2024 for his off-court contributions. Last season, he averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds over 56 games, demonstrating his ability to still perform at a high level despite some struggles with injuries and consistency.
Kelly Olynyk, 34, meanwhile, was acquired by New Orleans in February 2025 in a trade for Brandon Ingram. Over his 12-season NBA career, Olynyk has been a reliable stretch big, averaging 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 800 games across several teams including the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans. His veteran presence and shooting ability are expected to provide valuable depth and leadership for the Wizards as they continue their rebuild.
This trade also reflects contrasting roster-building philosophies. New Orleans is focused on youth and cost control, with Poole’s rookie-scale contract helping the Pelicans stay beneath luxury tax thresholds and maintain financial flexibility. Washington, on the other hand, is strategically adding veterans on expiring deals to carve out significant cap space for the summer of 2026, potentially in the $100 million range. By acquiring McCollum and Olynyk, the Wizards gain experienced players who can stabilize the roster while preparing for a major rebuild phase.
The Wizards also hold the No. 6 and No. 18 picks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, emphasizing their focus on building a talented backcourt and young core. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have multiple picks, including the No. 7 and No. 23 selections in the same draft, along with the newly acquired No. 40 pick. This wealth of draft capital positions New Orleans to continue adding promising talent alongside their revamped young core.
McCollum himself reacted to the trade news on social media with characteristic humor, tweeting, "The funniest tweet I’ve seen today is that I’m going to get blamed for the tariffs now too 🤣🤣," showing his light-hearted take on the sudden move. The trade marks McCollum’s third NBA team since 2022, highlighting the shifting landscape of the league and the Pelicans’ commitment to a fresh start.
For New Orleans, this trade could be the first of several significant roster changes as they look to rebound from a difficult season plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Since Zion Williamson was drafted No. 1 overall, the Pelicans have struggled to maintain health and continuity, with Brandon Ingram also traded to the Toronto Raptors at the trade deadline. Adding Poole and Bey injects new life and scoring potential into the lineup, aiming to complement rising stars like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson in future seasons.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are making a clear statement about their direction. By acquiring expiring contracts and veteran leadership, they are setting the stage for a major roster overhaul in the coming years. The cap space freed up by McCollum and Olynyk’s contracts will allow Washington to pursue impactful free agents or absorb significant contracts to facilitate trades when the market opens in 2026.
As the NBA draft approaches, both teams will be looking to maximize their new assets. The Pelicans, with their multiple first-round picks and the No. 40 selection, have the opportunity to add high-upside prospects to their youthful core. The Wizards, armed with their own first-round picks and veteran leadership, will look to strategically rebuild around a more sustainable financial foundation.
This trade underscores the dynamic nature of the NBA offseason, where teams balance immediate needs with long-term planning. New Orleans is betting on youth and potential, while Washington is preparing for a rebuild with an eye on future salary cap flexibility. Fans of both teams will be watching closely as these plans unfold in the coming months.
