WASHINGTON – The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans have executed one of the offseason’s more out-of-nowhere trades. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Pelicans traded veteran guard CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Wizards. In return, New Orleans receives Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick in the upcoming draft. Though both teams gain something, one clear winner has emerged—and it’s not the team shedding salary.
Trade Grades: Winner Of CJ McCollum To Wizards Is Clear
Wizards Add Leadership and Cap Flexibility
For the Wizards, the CJ McCollum trade accomplishes several things. First, they offload Poole, a talented yet inconsistent scorer who didn’t mesh with their vision. Poole’s contract carries significant long-term cost, and the team appears ready to pivot toward a more structured rebuild.
McCollum, now 33, brings a wealth of experience and professionalism. He spent nine years in Portland as Damian Lillard’s running mate and averaged over 20 points per game in every season since his 2022 trade to New Orleans. His contract expires after this coming season, giving Washington enormous financial flexibility by 2026.
Add in McCollum’s leadership role within the NBA Players Association and strong locker room presence, and the CJ McCollum trade becomes more than a financial reset for the Wizards. It’s also a cultural step forward.
Olynk, the 6-foot-11 forward-center underwent a “minimally invasive” procedure on his left heel in late April. It addressed an issue linked to Achilles tendinosis that sidelined him for the final three games of the 2024–25 season. Recovery projections place his return between two and three months, positioning him for full participation when training camp opens in the fall.
During his 12th NBA season, Kelly Olynyk posted averages of 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 44 appearances. He shot efficiently, hitting 50% from the field, 41.8% from beyond the arc, and 76.9% from the free-throw line.
Olynyk has established himself as a true journeyman, now playing for his eighth franchise—his fourth team since 2024—as he continues to carve out a role with his blend of size, shooting, and experience. His contract is also expiring so don’t be surprised if he is moved soon or before the trade deadline in February.
With McCollum and Olynyk in the mix, the Wizards add mentors for their young guards. Bub Carrington, who is expected to be the lead guard moving forward, will benefit from McCollum’s guidance. The Wizards now project nearly $100 million in cap space in 2026, a luxury few rebuilding teams can claim.
Grade: A-
Pelicans Embrace Youth, But With Uncertainty
For New Orleans, the trade reflects a shift toward a younger, more flexible roster. Poole and Bey are both in their mid-20s, aligning with a core that includes Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray.
Poole, once a key contributor to Golden State’s 2022 title run, averaged 20.5 points last season and shot a career-best 37.8% from deep. But his inconsistency remains troubling. Even at his best, Poole swings between scoring bursts and long cold spells. He also carries an extra year of salary compared to McCollum, making him more expensive in the long run.
Bey adds perimeter defense and spacing, though he’s yet to fully deliver on his early-career promise. The Pelicans hope a fresh environment and expanded role will help him stabilize.
Despite those hopes, this trade raises several questions for New Orleans. The team saved $5 million in the deal, helping them avoid the luxury tax. But the fit on the court looks shaky. The Pelicans still lack a proven floor general. Murray, returning from an Achilles injury, and Poole—a score-first guard—don’t inspire confidence as a backcourt pairing.
There’s also the risk of overpaying. In 2026–27, Poole and Murray will cost the team around $68 million. Neither is a guaranteed starter on a contending team. Poole played his best winning basketball, coming off the bench for the Warriors.
Grade: D+
Conflicting Timelines, Clashing Strategies
The Pelicans now boast a younger lineup without a single player over 30. But roster alignment in age doesn’t guarantee on-court synergy. The team seems to be doubling down on Williamson as the team’s primary playmaker. His health continues to be a concern though. And while Poole adds offense, his defensive liabilities compound Murray’s post-injury questions.
This deal doesn’t clarify the Pelicans’ strategy. If the plan is to stretch the floor for Zion and lean on him as a point forward, then it’s risky without reliable secondary creators. Drafting a steal with the No. 40 pick would help, but that’s a gamble.
Meanwhile, the Wizards used the CJ McCollum trade to create room for a rebuild the right way: with patience, culture, and future cap space. They may not be chasing wins next season, but they are building something sustainable.
The Wizards needed to reset their culture and prepare for the future. McCollum gives them both leadership and flexibility. The Pelicans gained youth and spacing but muddled their already uncertain identity.
Only one front office walked away with clarity—and that makes Washington the clear winner.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The post Trade Grades: Winner Of CJ McCollum To Wizards Is Clear appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.