Jordan Poole Will Improve the New Orleans Pelicans: Here’s Why!

Alright, let’s tear into this trade, human style no stiff analysis, just real talk about why the New Orleans Pelicans trading for Jordan Poole could be a game-changer (or a total circus) but that’s what makes it fun.

Trade Breakdown (In Plain English)!

So, here’s the quick and dirty: On June 24, 2025, the Pelicans and Wizards decided to shake things up. New Orleans dumped CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-rounder to D.C., and in return grabbed Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in the draft. Not exactly a blockbuster, but it has some spicy ingredients.

– McCollum, 33 years old, still putting up buckets (21 a night), but he’s in the last year of a $30 million+ deal. Basically, he’s the expensive uncle who still gets it done, but you worry when he bends over.

– Poole, 26, just hit a career-high (20.5 points), shoots nearly 38% from deep, and he’s locked in until 2027 at $32.5 million per season. Young, a little wild, but the upside is there.

– Bey, 26, missed last year with a busted knee. His career numbers are solid, but who knows if he’s the same dude post-ACL.

– Wizards: They get a vet scorer, clear some future salary, and keep their “rebuild” (read: endless tank) going.

Why Poole Could Actually Help New Orleans

1. The Youth Movement Is Real!

Let’s be honest, McCollum’s days of sprinting up and down with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram were numbered. Poole’s 26, fits the Pelicans’ timeline (if Zion comes back soon that is), and brings some fresh legs. He has time to grow, and maybe figure out how to play winning basketball before he hits his 30s. It’s about building a core, not just patching holes.

2. They Need Buckets Especially From Deep!

Last season, New Orleans shot threes like their coach had a phobia of the arc. Poole? Dude chucks up almost 10 a game and makes nearly 38% of them. That’s not Stephen Curry, but it’s miles better than what they had. Plus, he’s slippery with the ball, can get his shot, and doesn’t need to stand in the corner waiting for leftovers.

3. Contract Locked, No Guessing Games!

Poole isn’t just a rental. He’s got two more years guaranteed, so the Pelicans aren’t crossing their fingers every summer. The Wizards wanted to ditch salary, but New Orleans gets a guy they can actually plan with. No more “will he, won’t he” drama in the backcourt.

4. More Than Just a Shooter He Can Actually Create!

Yeah, McCollum was money off the ball, but Poole can run some pick-and-roll, break his guy down, and force defenses to scramble. He’s got a little bit of crazy in his game, which sometimes is a good thing. It keeps the defense guessing.

5. The Money’s a Wash, But the Upside Isn’t!

Poole and McCollum are making about the same this year, but Poole’s got that extra year. That’s more valuable, assuming he doesn’t completely lose his mind on or off the court. It’s a gamble, but hey, that’s the NBA.

But what Could Go Sideways?

1. Defense? Poole’s Never Heard of Her!

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Poole on defense is like a revolving door. Even with Bey around (assuming the knee holds up), there are going to be nights when the backcourt looks like a layup line. Pelicans fans should brace for a little pain.

2. Streaky As Hell!

Poole can go nuclear for 30, then shoot 3-of-18 the next night. It’s a rollercoaster and not always the fun kind. Consistency isn’t in his vocabulary yet.

3. Bey’s Knee and the Mystery Pick!

Bey might not even be ready at the start of the year, and the 40th pick? Let’s be real, most second-rounders are gone before you can memorize their jersey number.

The Big Picture!

Pelicans get Poole (the wild card scorer), Bey (if healthy, a handy 3&D guy), and a dart throw in the draft.

Wizards get cap space, a proven (if aging) bucket-getter, and the freedom to keep tanking without feeling bad about it.

Pelicans Grade: Solid B. Not an A+ home run, but it’s a move toward youth, speed, and modern NBA offense. If Poole behaves, it could really work.