The Washington Wizards started the offseason off with a bang by sending Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and draft compensation to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk.
Washington made the move looking to not only add a reliable veteran addition to their backcourt in McCollum, but the team also looked to capitalize on Poole's career-year learning from the mistake they made with the mismanagement of Kyle Kuzma in seasons past.
Poole went from being benched in his first season in Washington to becoming one of the most reliable pieces on the Wizards last season and in large part he was the sole reason the team won as many games as they did (and that's saying a lot).
Obviously, the Michigan product didn't exactly fit the timeline of the Wizards rebuild exactly and while McCollum doesn't either, the 33-year-old will be able to mentor the young backcourt in Washington.
In addition to the fact that Poole likely wouldn't be a long-term fit for the Wizards, it takes a special type of player to accept being on a rebuilding team with a little chance of winning, especially with their prime nearing.
Poole very well could have asked the team's front office to send him to a team that will give him a chance to compete for a playoff spot and if he didn't right out ask, perhaps general manager Will Dawkins tried to do him a solid by giving him a change of scenery.
However, the explosive guard will likely quickly realize that the grass isn't always greener and as bizarre as it sounds, Poole may actually miss the Wizards more than they'll miss him.
New Orleans isn't exactly set up to contend for an NBA championship and with their injury-proned roster, they're not even considered a true threat to compete for a playoff spot.
Not to mention, in his new role with the Pelicans, there's a real possibility that Poole could find himself in a role coming off the bench.
Yes, Poole has plenty of experience being the sparkplug off the bench like he was in Golden State, but after becoming a starter in Washington, it'll be difficult to go back to the second unit. Especially on a team that's not contending.
All that to say, as wild as it sounds, Poole may wish he was still in D.C. in the next couple of months ahead.