Pelicans Make Surprise Jordan Poole Move Amid Growing Zion Williamson Trade Rumor

The 2024-25 NBA season has barely ended, and teams are already making noise. The teams are shaking things up this time! Kevin Durant’s shocking move to Houston, Jrue Holiday landing in Portland, and the Suns reportedly considering moving Bradley Beal are only a few examples. This offseason feels like it’s moving faster than usual. Among all the action, one team in the West is trying to rewrite its script: the New Orleans Pelicans. After a disappointing 21-61 finish, they’re clearly tired of waiting. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and CJ McCollum spent major time sidelined. And without them, the Pelicans didn’t stand a chance.

The bigger story, though, might be Zion himself. He only played 30 games this season. And though he put up strong numbers: 24.6 points, 7.2 boards, and 5.3 assists, his long-term value is now a mystery. Injuries have piled up. But it’s not just that. Off the court, Zion has found himself in legal trouble recently, raising concerns about his future in New Orleans. The trade rumors aren’t just whispers anymore. Some say his trade value has taken a nosedive. Could this be the final chapter of Zion’s time with the Pelicans?

While those questions circled, the front office didn’t sit still. According to Shams Charania, “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.” This move wasn’t expected. It feels like a major shake-up. Is it a rebuild? Or a risky retool? Either way, it sends a clear message: New Orleans is ready for change. And fast.

McCollum had a strong season, averaging 21.1 points and 4.1 assists in 56 games. Olynyk added 10.7 points and nearly 6 rebounds in limited action. On the flip side, Jordan Poole led Washington in scoring with 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Bey, recovering from an ACL injury, didn’t suit up last season, but his potential as a strong two-way forward is still intact.

The Pelicans also hold the No. 7 and 23 picks in the upcoming draft. With Poole, Bey, and those picks, they’re clearly planning for a future that may not include Zion. Whether it’s a full rebuild or a pivot, the Pelicans are making bold moves. The Zion era may be fading, but New Orleans seems ready to start writing a new story.

Jordan Poole deal signals long-term strategy shift for Pelicans and Wizards

At first glance, the Pelicans-Wizards trade looks like a regular offseason shuffle. But is it just about players moving teams? Not exactly. This move says more about what each team wants their future to look like. So why should fans care about a deal involving CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Poole, and Saddiq Bey? Because underneath it all, this trade could shape how both franchises move forward over the next two years.

Let’s start with the Wizards. They just took in two veterans on expiring deals. That alone might not turn heads. But here’s the twist: McCollum is on a $30.7 million deal, and Olynyk is making $13.4 million. Both come off the books next summer. That gives Washington serious breathing room. As cap analyst Yossi Gozlan pointed out, “With this deal, they could be looking at more than $80 million in cap space — and possibly up to $100 million.” Just imagine what kind of talent they could chase with that flexibility.

Still, it’s not all about contracts. McCollum isn’t just a salary filler. He scored 21.1 points per game last season and still has something left in the tank. Olynyk hit nearly 42 percent from deep and is known for his passing. So could the Wizards flip them again later for more assets? It’s possible. This deal gives them options, and that’s something they’ve lacked for a while.

Now flip to New Orleans. They’re not just cutting costs. They’re also getting younger. Jordan Poole just turned 26 and averaged 20.5 points and 4.5 assists last season. Saddiq Bey missed the year with a torn ACL, but he’s only 25 and still holds value. Add in the No. 40 pick, and the Pelicans suddenly have a lot more pieces to work with.

This trade might not make headlines today, but in a league where flexibility is everything, both teams may have just made one of their smartest moves yet. So the real question is: who plays their cards better from here?