Washington, D.C. — The foundation of any successful NBA team often lies in the relationships formed off the court. Wizards executives Michael Winger and Will Dawkins, along with Pelicans executive Troy Weaver, share a long-standing connection originating from their time together with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This rapport recently facilitated a trade that serves both franchises well.
In a recent move, the Wizards acquired veteran players CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk from the Pelicans in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This information, confirmed by sources, reflects a strategic shift for both teams. McCollum is expected to play a pivotal role in the Wizards’ locker room, enhancing team cohesion while providing a reliable scoring option with a track record of averaging over 20 points per game for an entire decade.
Washington’s trades have positioned the team for significant cap flexibility, projecting an impressive nearly $100 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season following the $40 million expenditure shed in the trade. This newfound financial freedom not only enhances the Wizards’ prospects for future deals but also keeps the door open for free agency spending.
As the Wizards look to develop their young players, McCollum’s leadership will be paramount as they shift away from a reliance on Poole’s scoring. With Poole now out of the picture, Washington plans to implement a more balanced offensive strategy, allowing emerging talents like Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington greater opportunities on the court.
Olynyk adds depth as a stretch-five center, having achieved a career-high 41.8% shooting from three-point range last season. His expiring contract of $13.45 million also gives the Wizards flexibility moving forward.
On the other side of the deal, New Orleans gains an exciting offensive asset in Poole, who recently posted a career-best 37.8% from three-point range. At just 26 years old, he fits seamlessly with the Pelicans’ youthful roster as they look to carve out a competitive identity in the league. Bey, who has struggled with injuries, will also look to revitalize his career in New Orleans, where he averaged 14.1 points in previous seasons.
Financially, Poole is locked in at $65.89 million, while Bey is contracted for $12.56 million over the next two years, giving the Pelicans considerable offensive options moving forward.
This trade aligns with both teams’ long-term strategies and speaks to the importance of relationships in the NBA. As they embark on new seasons, the decisions made this week are set to influence their trajectories significantly.