As a professional summarizer, create a concise summary of CJ McCollum is headed to the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to Washington Wizards for a package that includes Jordan Poole, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
Per the report, the Pelicans are also sending a future second-round pick to Washington. In addition to Poole, the Wizards are sending the Pelicans Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. The deal signals a further roster overhaul of the Pelicans core after New Orleans traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors during the season.
McCollum, 33, was a three-plus year starter for the Pelicans after arriving via trade from the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021-22 season. McCollum was previously Damian Lillard’s backcourt running mate in Portland.
During his Pelicans tenure, McCollum average 21.1 points, five assists, 4.2 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 45.2% from the floor and 39.8% from 3. He’ll provide an upgrade in the starting backcourt and a veteran presence on a young Wizards roster in the midst of another rebuild. McCollum has one year and $36.66 million remaining on a two year contract.
Olynyk arrived in New Orleans via the Ingram trade and will offer a veteran presence in the post alongside second-year center Alex Sarr, who show improvement during his rookie season as a full-time starter after being selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft.
Poole, 26, will join the Pelicans two years after signing a four-year, $128 million contract with the Wizards as a free agent from the Golden State Warriors. In two seasons as Washington’s starting shooting guard, Poole averaged 18.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.2% from the floor and 35.3% from 3-point distance.
This story will be updated.
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