CJ McCollum Gets Traded To The Wizards

Dylan Mckneely • June 25, 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans Land Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey & The 40th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

In a bold move, the New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to send veteran guard CJ McCollum and stretch big man Kelly Olynyk to the Washington Wizards, in return for young scorer Jordan Poole, versatile forward Saddiq Bey, and this year’s No. 40 draft pick.

For New Orleans, the trade will fill the Dejounte Murray void, add cap space, and young veterans:

Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole comes to New Orleans after averaging a career-high 20.5 PPG before injuries derailed his season. On a fresh team, he’ll have an opportunity to regain his rhythm and benefit from the gravity of All-Star Forward Zion Williamson, and fringe All-Star Trey Murphy III.

Saddiq Bey

Saddiq Bey adds a 3&D forward with shooting range and defensive versatility—an ideal fit for a system emphasizing spacing and athleticism. Bey is set to return from a torn ACL he sustained against the Pelicans during the 23-24 season. Bey hasn't played less than 63 games a season his entire career, with that 63-game year being the one he sustained his ACL injury.

No. 40 pick

The No. 40 pick offers further drafting flexibility or trade leverage.


What to Watch

  • Poole’s bounce-back: Will Poole return to his scoring form with more freedom in NOLA? Jordan Poole is coming off a career year in all stats, yet it is still seen as a bounce-back year.
  • Draft pick maximization: Will No. 40 be used for a rotational talent or packaged in a future deal?
  • Bey’s Return To Pre-Injury Form?: Can Bey replicate the three-point shooting he showcased in the 22-23 season, where he shot 36%?


This move deepens the Pelicans’ young core around Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson. McCollum and Olynyk were seen as potential movable assets, and this trade capitalizes on their peak value. Furthermore, this deal seems to cement the organization's desire not to continue in the same direction it was going in. It’s a new dawn and a new day in New Orleans.

The Pelicans look to build around their dynamic young duo.

Dylan Mckneely

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Exploring the Pelicans Possibilities of Moving into the Top 10

By Garrison Giddens • June 12, 2026
Discussing how the Pelicans get into the lottery & a few prospects to keep in mind. 
247Sports All-Time Commits rankings showing player cards with photos and ratings; Tylan George and Jordyn Crites visible

Tulane Makes History: Tylan George and Jordyn Crites Become the Highest-Rated Commits in Program History

By Patrick Harkness • June 12, 2026
Tulane Green Wave fans have plenty to celebrate this cycle and previous. According to the latest 247Sports composite rankings, the Green Wave have landed the two highest-rated recruits in program history for the Class of 2026, and they’re not just any two prospects. Tylan George, the massive interior offensive lineman from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, sits at No. 1 with a 0.8939 rating. The 6’3”, 310-pound 4-star prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, earning praise for his pancake block totals and elite strength (515-pound squat, 315 bench as a junior). George brings immediate size, power, and local pride to an offensive line room that’s hungry for impact talent. Right behind him at No. 2 is Jordyn Crites, the 6’6”, 255-260 pound defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Texas. Crites recently earned his 4-star upgrade and a 0.8926 composite, making him one of the most athletic and long defensive linemen in the class (83-inch wingspan, 4.8 forty, 530-pound squat). He played both defensive end and tight end in high school and brings versatility, length, and upside that fits perfectly in Will Hall’s defensive scheme. Together, George and Crites represent a seismic shift in Tulane recruiting. Not only are they the top two in the 2026 class, but their ratings mark a new ceiling for what the Green Wave can attract. One bolsters the trenches on offense with mauling power; the other adds length and explosiveness on defense. Both have potential to contribute early and raise the floor (and ceiling) for their respective position groups. This isn’t just a good class, it’s a statement. Tulane is no longer just competing for regional talent; they’re landing blue-chip prospects who have Power conference offers and are choosing to build something special in New Orleans. The Green Wave are trending up, and these two are the new faces of that ascent. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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