Wizards, Pelicans Finalize Multi-Player NBA Trade

The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a significant trade, sending Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey (who is recovering from injury), and the No. 40 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Pelicans in exchange for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick. Both Poole and Bey are 26 years old, providing the Pelicans with younger talent and potential upside, while Poole is expected to develop alongside Zion Williamson. The Wizards acquire McCollum, who brings veteran leadership and scoring, and Olynyk, with both players on expiring contracts that could create over $100 million in cap space by 2026. This financial flexibility supports Washington's rebuilding efforts and future free agency plans. The trade is regarded as a financial win for the Wizards and a calculated risk for the Pelicans due to Poole's large contract and Bey's injury status. Analysts have praised Washington for the cap space maneuver and given New Orleans moderate marks for betting on Poole's potential.