The Washington Wizards have began the NBA offseason early with a blockbuster trade that lands CJ McCollum in D.C. in exchange for a package led by Jordan Poole.
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
The Wizards send out Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 overall pick in exchange for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a 2027 second-round pick.
Washington has been a team rumored to be open to taking on expiring contracts dating back to last seasons NBA trade deadline when the Wizards were reportedly opened to helping the Phoenix Suns facilitate a Bradley Beal trade.
The Wizards do this deal with 2026 free agency in mind as they're now expected to approach $100 million in projected cap space.
Poole is coming off a career-best season in Washington averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3 rebounds, while shooting 43.2% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc.
Not only did the Michigan product showcase improvement as the primary ball handler, but his ability to take on a leadership role on the Wizards young squad helped him turn what was once considered the worst contract in the NBA into clearly a coveted deal on the trade landscape.
The Pelicans surround Zion Williamson with a 26-year-old guard and a servicable 3-and-D wing in Bey, who's recovering from an ACL injury.
As for the Wizards, Washington lands a 33-year-old guard on an expiring contract, which alone is a win for them giving them flexibility heading into next offseason.
In addition to the financial benefits of taking on McCollum's expiring deal, the playmaker is still playing at a relatively high level averaging 21.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 56 games this past season.
McCollum is widely respected as one of the best leaders in the NBA serving as the President of the National Basketball Players Association.
Kelly Olynyk is another underrated piece of this deal. Not only is his versatility in the front court intriguing to keep around in Washington to help mentor Alex Sarr, who shares similar skillsets, but the Gonzaga product will likely be a name that many contending teams are interested in acquiring.
Nonetheless, in the position the Wizards are in, this deal makes a ton of sense for them moving forward in terms of cap space and ability to make bold moves if their young core takes a step this coming season.
Now, the attention turns towards Wednesday's NBA Draft where the Wizards hold the No. 6 and No. 18 overall picks.