Jordan Poole will join the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2025-26 NBA season after spending two years with the Washington Wizards. Draymond Green, current Golden State Warriors forward, expressed his belief that the Pelicans gained the most from this trade involving Poole.

The deal sends Poole, Saadiq Bey, and the 40th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to New Orleans, while Washington receives CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round draft selection. Joe Dumars, newly appointed general manager of the Pelicans, has begun ushering in a younger roster, making Poole a central figure in this new direction.

Green Highlights Poole’s Room for Growth and New Environment

Although New Orleans is a rival to Green’s Warriors, he openly admires the trade’s outcome. On The Draymond Green Show, Green said,

“When I look at this Pelicans move, I like it,”

and added,

“Jordan still has room for growth. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of his growth yet.”

Having played alongside Poole for four seasons, Green is uniquely qualified to evaluate his potential. During their time together on Golden State, Poole enhanced his scoring average from 8.8 to 20.4 points per game and became a key offensive weapon during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run.

Challenges Faced by Poole in Washington and Pelicans’ Stronger Leadership

Poole’s performance with the Wizards did not reach the high expectations set for him, a situation partly attributed to the team’s unstable structure and insufficient support. Leadership plays a vital role, and New Orleans holds the advantage over Washington in this regard.

Green noted,

“Getting in an organization like New Orleans under Joe Dumar’s leadership and with Willie Green as the coach, I think it’ll be a really good situation for him.”

Poole lacked coaching stability in Washington, where head coach Wes Unseld Jr. was dismissed midway through Poole’s first season. In contrast, Willie Green has cultivated a solid culture that will help Poole transition smoothly into the Pelicans’ system.

Reduced Pressure and Enhanced Support in New Orleans

Standing at 6-foot-4, Poole will benefit from joining a team with more talent surrounding him compared to Washington. Crucially, Poole will not serve as the primary offensive option, a role reserved for Zion Williamson, which should allow him to play with greater freedom and fewer constraints.

The Pelicans also retain Dejounte Murray, raising questions about how Poole and Murray will mesh on the court. Despite uncertainties, Poole’s potential remains evident, and his future development with New Orleans will be closely watched.

Implications of the Trade and What Lies Ahead

This trade signifies a strategic shift for the Pelicans, emphasizing youth and growth under new leadership. For Poole, the move offers a fresh start in a more stable environment that may unlock his untapped abilities. For the Warriors and their conference rivals, the trade introduces new dynamics heading into the 2025-26 season.