CJ McCollum, Olynyk Reportedly Traded to Wizards, Pelicans Get Jordan Poole, Bey, More

The CJ McCollum era is over in New Orleans.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Pelicans traded McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 selection in this week's draft.

McCollum is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2025-26 season.

Washington adds a consistent producer to the lineup as it looks to bounce back from an 18-64 record this past regular season.

McCollum missed most of November with a right adductor strain and periodically rested for games throughout the remainder of the season. He missed the end of the campaign with a right foot bone contusion.

When available, McCollum remained a consistent contributor on offense while averaging more than 20 points per game for the 10 straight season.

But the Pelicans decided to cash in on his trade value after plummeting to the bottom of the Western Conference standings in 2024-25.

McCollum will now join Marcus Smart as another producer in a backcourt looking for more scoring.

He can also provide leadership for the Wizards' young players, such as 2024 No. 2 pick Alex Sarr. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported last season that New Orleans considered him a mentor in a young locker room.

McCollum was selected by the Trail Blazers out of Lehigh with the No. 10 pick of the 2013 NBA draft. He spent parts of nine seasons in Portland before he was traded to New Orleans in February 2022.

The veteran guard will depart from New Orleans having averaged 21.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists through parts of four seasons with the Pelicans.